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 U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded a $500,000 Project Grant under the Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program (CFDA 16.736) to the Center For Hope And Safety, Inc. (CHS), a non-profit organization based in Rochelle Park, New Jersey. The grant will fund a 3-year project starting on October 1, 2024 to provide comprehensive transitional housing and support services to up to 25 survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are homeless or in need of housing assistance. CHS will collaborate with Greater Bergen Community Action Inc. to deliver a holistic, victim-centered approach that includes rental and utility assistance, case management, safety planning, career counseling, support groups, individual counseling, and housing advocacy to help survivors secure permanent housing and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

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. Center for hope and safety (CHS) is a non-profit organization located in rochelle park, NJ, a suburban region of the state. The organization will provide 12 communal, scattered site residences for 25 survivors and their families through (program-owned and private landlord housing units. Center for hope and safety (CHS) will collaborate with its 1 partner greater bergen community action INC to provide a holistic, victim-centered and multidisciplinary approach to transitional housing needs in the community. This continuation project will use funds to provide housing and support 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, childcare, transportation, career counseling, financial and credit counseling, support groups, individual counseling, job training, education attainment and housing advocacy. The project will also hire 2 additional staff members to implement the program and provide follow-up services for at least 3 months once permanent housing is secured.