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 awarded a $550,000 Transitional Housing Assistance Grant (CFDA 16.736) to Opportunities For Otsego, Inc., a non-profit organization in Oneonta, New York. This 3-year grant from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2026 will enable Opportunities For Otsego to provide transitional housing, rental assistance, case management, counseling, job training, and other support services for 39 survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking and their families. The organization will collaborate with local government and community partners to deliver a comprehensive, victim-centered approach to transitioning survivors into permanent housing and economic self-sufficiency.

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. Opportunities for otsego is a non-profit organization located in oneonta, new york, a rural region of the state. The organization will provide 39 scattered site residences for 39 survivors and their families through private landlord housing units. The opportunities for otsego will collaborate with its 3 partners, the otsego county department of social services, the southern tier homeless coalition of NY-115, and the chenango, delaware, and otsego county workforce development board 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 expanding economic justice, as well as meeting the needs of the underserved rural 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, childcare, transportation, career counseling, financial and credit counseling, support groups, individual counseling, job training, education attainment, legal assistance, medical and housing advocacy. The project will also hire 3 additional staff members to implement the program and provide follow-up services for at least 3 months once permanent housing is secured.