2.1: Basics of Rapid Re-Housing

RAPID RE-HOUSING AND DV SURVIVORS Basics of Rapid Re-Housing National Alliance to End Homelessness 2011 National Conference February 10, 2011

DV SURVIVORS: THEY’RE EVERYWHERE!
“Among mothers with children experiencing homelessness, more than 80 percent had previously experienced domestic violence.” (Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness 2010)

WASHINGTON FAMILIES FUND FIVE YEAR REPORT (2004-2009)
In the Moderate-Needs Family Profile for families served, 66% had experienced domestic violence.
In the High-Needs Family Profile for families served, 93% had experienced physical or sexual violence.

HOUSING STABILITY CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
The availability of safe, affordable, and stable housing is critical for a survivor’s ability to escape an abusive partner.
Without viable housing options, many survivors are forced to remain in abusive relationships, accept inadequate or unsafe housing conditions, or become homeless. (Anne Menard)

CONSIDERATIONS WHEN WORKING WITH DV SURVIVORS
Safety
Sabotage (from an abuser, abuser’s family, and even broader community)

WE NEED TO BUILD SOME BRIDGES!
Explore ways to develop and/or strengthen relationships between housing/homeless providers and DV programs
Multidisciplinary partnerships necessary to develop policies and programs that increase battered women’s housing options and do not increase their danger.

FOR HOUSING/HOMELESS SERVICE PROVIDERS
Include basic domestic violence dynamics and resources as part of staff training
Learn how to ask the questions and how to talk about DV resources
Develop a protocol on how to respond when domestic violence is disclosed

SUGGESTIONS FOR COLLABORATION
Plan relationship-building activities among housing/homeless and DV programs
Develop a consultative relationship with a DV agency
Some jurisdictions have implemented MOUs for formal relationships between DV and homeless/housing agencies.

CAN RAPID RE-HOUSING WORK FOR DV SURVIVORS?
YES!
Domestic Violence Housing First Project in Washington State (funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
Cohort of 4 agencies across the state, from rural to urban

HOW CAN IT WORK?
Survivor-Centered Advocacy:
Safety planning
Empowerment
Reinforcement of autonomy and self-determination
Offering options
Voluntary services

Need Community Relationships
Public Housing Authorities (VAWA protections for DV survivors and inclusion of domestic violence as part of every 5-year plan)
Landlord relationships and DV training

FIRST YEAR RESULTS
Out of 112 participants (point in time):
40.2% had permanent housing at program entry AND have retained their housing through the program’s assistance
52.7% obtained permanent housing through Housing First efforts AND are still in permanent housing
2.7% are working on permanent housing
4.5% obtained permanent housing but are no longer in permanent housing

Where did those not in permanent housing come from?
25% came from emergency shelter
12.5% came from transitional housing
12.5% came from an institution
25% were living with family/friends
25% were unknown

LEVELS OF ASSISTANCE
Light touch—simple, discrete needs that are met quickly
Medium touch—discrete needs met as above, plus connected with agency’s services for a short period of time
Higher needs—all of the above, plus long term planning with advocate in order to obtain housing, improve financial situation, and address other issues.

SERVICE LEVEL FOR THIS GROUP
55.9% Light Touch
27% Medium Touch
17.1% High Need

IN SUMMARY
You serve domestic violence survivors
Plan how to do it well
Develop partnerships with DV programs
Integrate safety and survivor center advocacy into your service approach—along with trauma-informed services
Make sure your community relationships include domestic violence information

QUESTIONS? Linda Olsen, MA, MSW Housing Project Coordinator Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence [email_address] 206-389-2515 x 205

2.1: Basics of Rapid Re-Housing

by National Alliance to End Homelessness

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