edoc
Regaining Balance: Safe and Stable Housing for Survivors of Domestic Violence.
Margulies, Jen.
Texas Council on Family Violence.
Technical Report
30 p.
Copyright
Published: 2021
Download: https://tcfv.org/wp-content/uploads/tcfv_regaining_balance_housing_rpt_2021.pdf
This report discusses the need for supportive non-emergency housing for domestic violence survivors in Texas and reports statistics that indicate 71.$% of survivors interviewed for the Texas State Plan on Domestic Violence needed help finding housing, 69% of Texas domestic violence agencies said getting into permanent housing is a big problem for survivors, and 32.7% of survivors interviewed for the State Plan needed help keeping their current housing, Domestic violence housing service options are then reviewed, and the benefits of transitional housing and other longer-term supportive housing for domestic violence survivors are explained. Findings from a concentrated research study on comprehensive housing options for Texas survivors are shared and indicate transitional housing are helping increase survivors’ physical safety, emotional well-being, and housing stability. Following sections of the report discuss housing trends and needs in Texas, the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need for more transitional housing and long-term supportive housing for survivors. Essential elements of successful transition elements are highlighted and include: survivor driven and survivor centered, low-barrier, equitable admissions; blend of independence and support; access to staff support; survivor peer support; flexible funding; mobile advocacy; and housing advocacy. Strategies are discussed for implementing each element. Final sections of the report share findings from a recent evaluation study of Texas transitional housing programs for domestic violence survivors and identify best practices, discuss permanent housing and ongoing support services post-residency in transitional housing, and explain next steps for Texas. Recommendations are made for funders and links to toolkits and resources are provided. 31 references.
Keywords:
Victim services; Spouse abuse; Family violence; Housing; Texas; State programs; COVID-19; State disaster response