News and Announcements

New Facility will serve the fastest growing Veteran population recovering from addiction and PTSD

MANKATO, Minn. – May 5, 2026 – Bravo Zulu House announced today it has secured land in Mankato for the first-of-its-kind Women's House, dedicated to supporting women Veterans in recovery from addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Construction is expected to begin this fall, with plans to open the Women’s House in late 2027.

The Women's House will be located on the west side of 8th Avenue between Cleveland and Lind Street in Mankato, marking a major milestone in Bravo Zulu House’s mission to provide safe, structured housing and recovery support for Veterans rebuilding their lives. 

“As a woman who’s served, seeing the Bravo Zulu Women’s House come to life is deeply meaningful,” said Maureen Banavige, retired U.S. Air Force Reserve Major General. “The Bravo Zulu Women’s House marks a powerful step forward for women Veterans everywhere. It represents more than bricks and mortar; it’s a pathway to recovery and renewal. It is hope made tangible.”

“We are grateful to the many volunteers and supporters who helped us secure this location, which will ultimately save women Veterans’ lives,” said Tim Murray, Executive Director of Bravo Zulu House. “Breaking ground this year represents hope and progress for those who have served and now seek healing.” 

Across the United States, thousands of Veterans leave inpatient treatment facilities each month, yet many continue to struggle with PTSD and addiction. Every day, approximately 18 Veterans die by suicide, according to the 2024 VA Suicide Report. Since 2001, more than 150,000 Veterans have died by suicide — 21 times more than the 7,500 who died in combat.

Declaring war on PTSD, Bravo Zulu House opened the first-of-its-kind sober home for male Veterans in Winnebago, Minn., in 2025, helping them recover from addiction and reclaim their lives. The name says it all: Bravo Zulu is a naval and military signal meaning "well done," a mark of respect for those who served. 

Behind every Veteran's recovery is a community that shows up monthly. Team Shield is a community of individuals and businesses whose recurring support keeps Bravo Zulu House's programs running and its doors open. To join or learn more, visit www.bravozuluhouse.org.

Twenty-year Army Veteran to serve as advisory board chair of nation’s first recovery home dedicated exclusively to women Veterans with PTSD

Twenty-year Army Veteran to serve as advisory board chair of nation’s first recovery home dedicated exclusively to women Veterans with PTSD

MANKATO, Minn. – Feb. 19, 2026 – Bravo Zulu House today announced that Christina Blount, a 20-year U.S. Army veteran, has been named Chair of its Women’s Advisory Board. In this role, Blount will provide strategic guidance as the organization advances plans to open the first-ever Bravo Zulu House for women Veterans in Mankato, Minn. in 2027.

The Women’s Advisory Board plays a critical role in shaping programming, community engagement, and fundraising efforts to support the launch of the Women’s House, a first-of-its-kind sober living residence designed specifically to meet the recovery needs of women Veterans.

“We are honored to have Chris lead this important initiative,” said Tim Murray, Executive Director of Bravo Zulu House. “Her military experience, leadership background, and deep understanding of the challenges women Veterans face make her uniquely qualified to guide this effort. The Women’s House represents a transformative step forward in how we support women who have served.”

Blount, who is currently based in Eagan, Minn., served from 1988 to 2008 in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard. She began her military career at age 17 as a logistics specialist while attending college and later earned her commission through Officer Candidate School as an Engineering Officer. She served as the first female Captain in a Combat Engineer Battalion with the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry).

Throughout her military and civilian career, Blount has led large-scale infrastructure projects, program initiatives, and mission-driven fundraising efforts. She brings disciplined execution, operational expertise, and compassionate leadership to the Women’s Advisory Board.

“Women Veterans are often overlooked in conversations about recovery and homelessness,” Blount said. “The transition home from service can be isolating and deeply challenging. As someone who served through four wars, I believe we must create environments where women can heal safely, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. A structured sober home offers more than housing; it provides stability, accountability, and hope. Women who have served our country deserve the opportunity to recover with dignity and rebuild their lives with strong support.”



The Women’s House will expand Bravo Zulu House’s model to provide safe, structured sober homes for Veterans in recovery, addressing a critical and growing need among women who have served.

For more information about Bravo Zulu House or the Women’s Advisory Board, visit www.bravozuluhouse.org or contact admin@bravozuluhouse.org.