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 YWCA of Northeastern Massachusetts received a $490,000 Project Grant 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, running from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2027, will enable the YWCA to provide transitional housing and comprehensive support services to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are homeless or in need of housing assistance. The YWCA will operate 3 clustered residences and 2 scattered-site housing units, serving approximately 5 survivors and their families. The grant will fund a range of services including rental/utility assistance, case management, safety planning, ESL classes, education support, financial literacy training, and housing advocacy to help participants secure permanent housing and achieve economic self-sufficiency. The YWCA will collaborate with its partner, Supportive Care, to deliver this holistic, victim-centered program in the Lawrence, MA community.

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 ywca of northeastern massachusetts is a non-profit organization located in lawrence, massachusetts, an urban region of the state. The organization will provide 3 clustered residences, and 2 scatter sited residences for 5 survivors and their families through both program-owned and private landlord housing units. The ywca of northeastern MA will collaborate with its partner, supportive care, 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. 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, ESL classes, education assistance, financial literacy, and housing advocacy. The project will also hire 1 additional staff member to implement the program and provide follow-up services for at least 12 months once permanent housing is secured.