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 Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, a non-profit organization in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, has been awarded a $375,000 Project Grant 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). This three-year grant, effective October 1, 2024, will enable the organization to provide 7 scattered-site transitional housing units and comprehensive support services for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The services include rental and utility assistance, case management, safety planning, financial education, employment services, transportation, childcare, and housing advocacy. The goal is to assist a minimum of 7 clients for 6-24 months and help them secure permanent housing, obtain employment, and successfully reintegrate into their communities. Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center will collaborate with its partner, Progreso Latino, to deliver this holistic, victim-centered approach to transitional housing and support services in the Central Falls region.

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. Blackstone valley advocacy center is a non-profit organization located in pawtucket, rhode island, an urban region of the state. The organization will provide 7 scattered site residences for 7 survivors and their families through private landlord housing units. Blackstone valley advocacy centr will collaborate with its partner, progreso latino 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 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, financial education, education support, employment services, transportation assistance, childcare, 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.