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 Wings Program, a non-profit organization in Palatine, IL, received a $550,000 Project Grant under the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women's Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program (CFDA 16.736). This 3-year award will enable the Wings Program to provide 20 scattered-site transitional housing units along with comprehensive support services for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are homeless or in need of housing assistance. The project will deliver a holistic, victim-centered approach in partnership with three local organizations to offer services such as rental/utility assistance, case management, safety planning, transportation, career/financial counseling, job training, legal aid, and housing advocacy. The goal is to help these survivors secure permanent housing, achieve economic self-sufficiency, and integrate into the community over a 6-24 month period.

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 wings program is a non-profit organization located in palatine, IL, an urban region of the state. The organization will provide 20 scattered site residences for 20 survivors and their families through private landlord housing units. The wings program will collaborate with its 3 partners, the revolution workshop, the childrens legal center, and apna ghar 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. Services offered will focus on expanding economic justice, as well as meeting the needs of the underserved african american, latinx, asian and immigrant populations in the region. 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, transportation, career counseling, financial and credit counseling, support groups, individual counseling, job training, education attainment, legal assistance, victims and housing advocacy. The project will provide follow-up services for at least 3 months once permanent housing is secured.