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 Project Grant award of $460,005.00 from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women (CFDA 16.736 - Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Stalking, or Sexual Assault) will support the Underground Railroad, a non-profit organization in Saginaw, Michigan, in providing transitional housing and comprehensive support services for up to 18 survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The project will deliver scattered-site transitional housing units, as well as services such as case management, safety planning, childcare, transportation, counseling, legal support, and housing advocacy. This 3-year project, running from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2027, aims to help these survivors secure permanent housing and achieve economic self-sufficiency through a holistic, survivor-centered approach. The Underground Railroad will collaborate with the YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region to implement this program.

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 underground railroad is a non-profit organization located in saginaw, michigan a rural, urban region of the state. The organization will provide scattered site residences for 18 survivors and their families through private landlord housing units. The underground railroad will collaborate with its partner(S), the ywca great lakes BAY region, 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 center around empowering victims to become survivors by focusing on long-term safety and sustainable economic independence in the region. Grant activities are tailored to meet the needs of survivors. The range of optional support services includes: rental and utility assistance, case management, safety planning, childcare, transportation, support groups, individual counseling, legal support and housing advocacy. The project will also fund 6 staff members to implement the program and provide follow-up services for at least 6 months once permanent housing is secured.