OVW FY 2017 Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking

The Transitional Housing Program makes grants to programs to provide 6-24 months of transitional housing with support services for victims who are homeless, or in need of transitional housing, as a result of a situation of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking; and for whom emergency shelter services or other crisis intervention services are unavailable or insufficient. OVW is interested in programs with a holistic, victim-centered approach to providing transitional housing services that move survivors into permanent housing. Transitional housing can be provided in facilities that are owned by the applicant, in units that are leased by the applicant, or by providing rental assistance for units leased directly to victims. Support services offered should help transitional housing participants locate and secure permanent housing, secure employment, and integrate into a community. Examples of support services include employment counseling, occupational training, transportation, counseling, child care services, safety planning, case management, and other assistance. Support services must be offered to survivors on a voluntary basis. Voluntary support services are designed with survivor-input to meet the individual needs of each survivor. When implementing a voluntary services model through a trauma-informed approach, effective transitional housing supports the self-determination of survivors and adapts services to their individual needs. Staff who have been trained in working with victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking may also be funded to support transitional housing participants.