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 U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women has awarded a $500,000 Project Grant under the Transitional Housing Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Stalking, or Sexual Assault program (CFDA 16.736) to Step Stone, Inc. (doing business as Stepstone Of Wichita), a non-profit organization located in Wichita, Kansas. The 3-year grant, effective October 1, 2023, will enable Step Stone, Inc. to provide 31 transitional housing units and comprehensive support services to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are homeless or in need of housing assistance. The program will deliver a range of services, including rental and utility assistance, case management, safety planning, childcare, transportation, career and financial counseling, job training, and housing advocacy, to help survivors achieve permanent housing and economic self-sufficiency. Step Stone, Inc. will partner with the Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center, Inc. to implement this holistic, victim-centered transitional housing program.

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. Stepstone, INC. Is a non-profit organization located in wichita, kansas, an urban region of the state. The organization will provide 31 clustered and scattered site residences for 31 survivors and their families through program-owned and private landlord housing units. Stepstone, INC. Will collaborate with its partner, the wichita area sexual assault center, INC., 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 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, and housing advocacy. The project will also hire 0 additional staff members to implement the program and provide follow-up services for at least 12 months once permanent housing is secured.