The impact of domestic violence is not unknown to homeless service providers: research consistently shows that high numbers of people experiencing homelessness have also survived domestic violence. For some it is in their past, while it is the most immediate cause of homelessness for others.

Despite the wide recognition that domestic violence contributes to individual and family homelessness, the two systems that serve these populations are often siloed. The door to assistance that a survivor enters – whether that be a domestic violence (DV) shelter or a homeless shelter – may determine what forms of help they will receive. Being in one system may create challenges in accessing the resources and support of the other, and many people in the homeless and domestic violence service fields are working to change this through improving system coordination.

Over the last year, we have seen significant new federal investments to respond to the urgent needs of people impacted by the pandemic. With the infusion of new funds, states and localities are expanding their services to people at risk of (or currently experiencing) homelessness, as well as services for those who are survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. As leaders in both service communities ramp up their response with their new resources, there is an opportunity to explore how to leverage the resources and expertise of one another’s service systems.

A Time of New Opportunities – Housing!

National, state, and local advocates are working to maximize the use of new federal housing resources, including Emergency Rental Assistance, Emergency Housing Choice Vouchers and HOME Homeless Assistance to help people at highest risk of, or currently experiencing, homelessness.

HOME Homeless Assistance and Emergency Housing Choice Vouchers can provide permanent housing assistance to at-risk and homeless people, including people fleeing domestic violence. It provides a unique opportunity to assist those who have experienced long-term, chronic, and unsheltered homelessness.

Read the full article about domestic violence and homelessness by Sharon McDonald at National Alliance to End Homelessness.