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

This $500,000 Project Grant awarded by 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) will provide transitional housing and comprehensive support services for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are homeless or in need of housing assistance in New Castle, Pennsylvania.

The primary grantee, Arise Lawrence County, a non-profit domestic shelter organization, will use the funds to provide 6-24 months of transitional housing in 6 scattered-site private rental units. In addition, Arise Lawrence County will collaborate with 4 local partners to deliver a range of supportive services, including rental/utility assistance, case management, safety planning, counseling, career/financial counseling, job training, legal aid, and housing advocacy. This holistic, victim-centered approach aims to help survivors secure permanent housing, achieve economic self-sufficiency, and integrate into the 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 crisis shelter of lawrence county is a non-profit organization located in new castle, pennsylvania, a suburban region of the state. The organization will provide 6 scattered site residences for 6 survivors and their families through private landlord housing units. The crisis shelter of lawrence county will collaborate with its 4 partners, the lawrence county community action partnership, casa SAN jose, PA careerlinklawrence county, cusick, decaro, & lander, P.C. To provide a holistic, victim-centered and multidisciplinary approach to transitional housing needs in the community. This new 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, transportation, career counseling, financial and credit counseling, support groups, individual counseling, job training, education attainment, legal assistance, and housing advocacy. The project will also hire 1 additional staff member to implement the program and provide follow-up services for at least 6 months once permanent housing is secured.