Domestic violence victims in northwest Houston are being helped when it comes to finding housing thanks to a brand new nonprofit program. The program received $1 million from a federal grant, which began in December. The program is being run by Northwest Assistance Ministries through the Family Violence Center.
Since the program began in December, it has been able to find housing for 18 victims who have fled domestic violence situations. The program is in the midst of finding housing for 20 additional victims.
“We are trying to make housing services more readily available to those fleeing domestic violence,” the director of the Family Violence Center said. The director urged those facing domestic violence to call the center’s helpline as soon as they can.
There are three case managers at the Family Violence Center who work with the victims seeking new housing. The first step in the process is for the case managers to assess the situation of each victim. After assessment, the program will then look for appropriate housing for the victim. The housing will either be further away from the perpetrator, closer to family members or close to the victim’s place of employment.
The federal grant was issued to the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department. The new program offers rental assistance for at least one year, possibly up to two years and also includes support services such as counseling, money for utilities, childcare and money to cover moving costs.
“There’s a huge need in our county and our connecting counties for housing services for victims of domestic violence,” the executive director of the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council said. “This increases our capacity, which is great.”
Victims of domestic violence don’t always know where to go to seek help when it comes to finding housing. An experienced family law attorney in Omaha, Nebraska, can answer questions, provide guidance and counsel and explain the law as it pertains to your situation.
Source: Chron, “Nonprofit program helps domestic violence victims find housing,” Tamra Santana, July 05, 2017