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 Riverview Center, a non-profit organization in Galena, Illinois, has been awarded a $549,998 Transitional Housing Assistance Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women (CFDA 16.736). This three-year project grant, effective from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2027, will support the provision of 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.

Specifically, the Riverview Center will use the funding to provide 12 scattered-site transitional housing units and offer a range of services, including rental and utility assistance, case management, safety planning, childcare, transportation, economic empowerment assistance, career counseling, financial and credit counseling, support groups, individual counseling, job training, education attainment, legal assistance, and medical and housing advocacy. The project will also hire an additional staff member to implement the program and provide follow-up services for at least 12 months once permanent housing is secured for the survivors and their families.

The primary purpose of the transitional housing program is to aid minors, adults, and their dependents 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 domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, 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 designed to enable a minor, an adult, or a dependent of such minor or adult locate and secure permanent housing, secure employment, and integrate into a community. The riverview center is a non-profit organization located in galena, IL, a rural region of the state. The organization will provide 12 scattered site) residences for 12 survivors and their families through private landlord housing units. The riverview center will collaborate with its partner, the iowaworks-iowa workforce development 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 in the region. The grant activities will be tailored to meet the needs of the survivors. The range of optional support services include rental and utility assistance, case management, safety planning, childcare, transportation, economic empowerment assistance 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 an additional staff member to implement the program and provide follow-up services for at least 12 months once permanent housing is secured.