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

This $550,000 federal Project Grant award 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) will enable Waypoint Services for Women, Children and Families, a non-profit organization in Des Moines, IA, to provide 23 scattered-site transitional housing units and comprehensive support services for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The program will offer an array of assistance, including rental and utility aid, case management, safety planning, childcare, transportation, financial and credit counseling, and housing advocacy, to help clients achieve economic self-sufficiency and secure permanent housing. Waypoint will collaborate with four local partners - Affordable Housing Network, Goodwill of the Heartland, Horizons, and Central Furniture Rescue - to deliver this holistic, survivor-centered transitional housing program over the 3-year award period from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2026.

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. Waypoint is a non-profit organization located in DES moines, IA, an urban region of the state. The organization will provide 23 scattered site residences for 23 survivors and their families through private landlord housing units. Waypoint will collaborate with its four partners, affordable housing network, INC, goodwill of the heartland, horizons and central furniture rescue to provide a holistic, victim-centered and multidisciplinary approach to transitional housing needs in the community. This continuation 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 range of optional support services includes rental and utility assistance, case management, safety planning, childcare, transportation, financial and credit counseling, counseling, housing advocacy. The project will provide follow-up services for at least 3 months once permanent housing is secured.