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 Semcoa Inc., a non-profit organization in Plymouth, Massachusetts, received 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, Stalking, or Sexual Assault program (CFDA 16.736). This 3-year grant will enable Semcoa to provide up to 3 scattered-site transitional housing units and comprehensive support services for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are homeless or in need of housing assistance. The range of services includes rental and utility assistance, case management, safety planning, childcare, transportation, career placement counseling, support groups, job training, education attainment, and housing advocacy. Semcoa will collaborate with the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance to deliver this holistic, victim-centered approach to transitional housing and support services in the local community.

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 semcoa INC is a non-profit organization located in plymouth, massachusetts, a suburban region of the state. The organization will provide 3 scattered site residences for 3 survivors and their families through private landlord housing units. The semcoa INC will collaborate with its 1 partner, the massachusetts department of transitional assistance 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, child care assistance, transportation, career placement counseling, support groups, individual counseling, job training, education attainment and housing advocacy. The project will also retain 1 additional staff member to implement the program and provide follow-up services for at least 12 months once permanent housing is secured.