The transitional housing assistance grants for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking program (transitional housing program) is authorized by 34 U.S.C. 12351

The Safe Place And Rape Crisis Center, Inc. (SPARCC) has been awarded a $500,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women under the Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program (CFDA 16.736). The 3-year grant will fund SPARCC's transitional housing program, which provides scattered-site housing placements and comprehensive support services for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are homeless or in need of housing assistance in Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, Florida. Services include rental and utility assistance, case management, safety planning, childcare, transportation, career and financial counseling, support groups, job training, legal and housing advocacy, and follow-up for 3-12 months after placement in permanent housing. SPARCC will collaborate with the Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness to deliver these holistic, victim-centered services.

The primary purpose of the transitional housing program is to provide aid to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are homeless, as defined by 34 U.S.C. 12473(6), or in need of transitional housing or other housing assistance, as a result of their victimization, and for whom emergency shelter services or other crisis intervention services are unavailable or insufficient. The program supports holistic, survivor-centered approaches to providing transitional housing and support services that move individuals into permanent housing and help them secure employment and integrate into a community. The safe place and rape crisis center, INC. Is a non-profit organization located in sarasota, florida, an urban, suburban region of the state. The organization will provide scattered site residences for survivors and their families through private landlord housing units. The safe place and rape crisis center, INC. Will collaborate with its partner, the suncoast partnership to end homelessness, to provide a holistic, victim-centered and multidisciplinary approach to transitional housing needs in the community. This new project will use funds to provide both housing and supportive services to move survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking who are homeless or in need of housing assistance to permanent housing. The project will assist clients for an anticipated minimum of 6 months and a maximum length of 24 months. The grant activities will be tailored to meet the needs of the survivors. The range of optional support services includes rental and utility assistance, case management, safety planning, childcare, transportation, career counseling, financial and credit counseling, support groups, individual counseling, job training, education attainment, and legal and housing advocacy. No additional staff members will be hired to implement the project. Follow-up services will be provided for at least 3-12 months once permanent housing is secured.