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 Elder Abuse Institute of Maine received a $649,996 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). This 3-year grant will enable the non-profit organization to provide transitional housing and comprehensive support services for 6 survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are homeless or in need of housing assistance. The project will offer a combination of communal and scattered-site transitional housing units, along with services such as rental/utility assistance, case management, safety planning, financial counseling, and housing advocacy. These holistic, victim-centered services aim to help survivors secure permanent housing and employment over a 6-24 month period, with a focus on meeting the unique needs of underserved older adult populations in the 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 elder abuse institute of maine is a non-profit organization located in brunswick, maine, a suburban region of the state. The organization will provide a communal residence and scatter site residence for 6 survivors through both program-owned and private landlord housing units. The elder abuse institute of maine will collaborate with its partner, the city of portland, maine 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. Services offered will focus on meeting the needs of the underserved (elder adults) 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, financial management, and housing advocacy. The project will also retain 1 full time staff member to implement the program and provide follow-up services for at least 3 months once permanent housing is secured.