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 Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency, a non-profit organization in Auburn, NY, has received a $550,000 Project Grant award under the Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program (CFDA 16.736) from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women. This 3-year project will provide 20 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. Services will include rental and utility assistance, case management, safety planning, counseling, childcare, transportation, career and financial counseling, job training, legal aid, and housing advocacy to help clients secure permanent housing and achieve economic self-sufficiency. The agency will collaborate with four local partners to deliver this holistic, victim-centered 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. The cayuga/seneca community action agency is a non-profit organization located in auburn, new york, an urban region of the state. The organization will provide 20 scattered site residences for 20 survivors and their families through private landlord housing units. The cayuga/seneca community action agency will collaborate with its 4 partners, the auburn housing authority, auburn rescue mission, cayuga works career center, and the cayuga county department of social services 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 for survivors 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, victim and housing advocacy. The project will also hire an additional staff member to implement the program and provide follow-up services for at least 3 months once permanent housing is secured.