HOUSING - Promising Futures

Domestic violence remains a leading cause of homeless for survivors and their children. On any given night, ten percent of people experiencing homelessness have reported that they were victims of domestic violence. Victims not only need emergency shelter and transitional housing, but they also desperately need stable, secure housing. 

Domestic Violence coalitions in some areas of the country have been able to implement a housing program for domestic violence survivors called – Domestic Violence Housing First Model (DVHF). DVHF focuses on helping survivors get into safe and stable housing as quickly as possible, and on providing services to help them move forward with their lives. Essential components of the DVHF model include: survivor driven, trauma-informed mobile advocacy, community engagement, and flexible financial assistance.   

We strongly urge Congress to increase federal housing funds for domestic violence survivors and their children so that they can have access to safe and affordable housing. Additionally, HUD’s allocation strategy for federal funding should continue to prioritize individuals and families fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence. Also, Continuum of Care Programs should ensure that a portion of their funding addresses the needs of domestic violence survivors who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness.