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 YWCA Evanston/North Shore has received a $534,962 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). This 3-year continuation project will provide 8 units of scattered-site transitional housing and comprehensive support services for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are homeless or in need of housing assistance. Key services include rental and utility assistance, case management, safety planning, counseling, job training, legal aid, and housing advocacy to help clients secure permanent housing and achieve economic self-sufficiency. The YWCA Evanston/North Shore will collaborate with its partner, Connection for the Homeless, to deliver these holistic, victim-centered transitional housing and support services in the Evanston, Illinois region.

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 ywca evanston/ northshore is a non-profit organization located in evanston, illinois, a suburban region of the state. The organization will provide 8 scattered site residences for 8 survivors and their families through private landlord housing units. The ywca evanston/ northshore will collaborate with its partner, connection for the homeless 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 12 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 homeless 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, career counseling, financial and credit counseling, support groups, individual counseling, job training in technology and culinary fields, education attainment, legal assistance, victim and housing advocacy. The project will provide follow-up services for at least 3 months once permanent housing is secured.