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PREVENTION AND RAPID REHOUSING:

STRATEGIES FOR HOMELESS DV SURVIVORS

WSCH Conference, 5/11-13/2011

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Increase understanding of survivor-driven DV advocacy

Increase understanding of overlap between homelessness & DV

Increase ability to apply survivor-driven DV advocacy to homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing

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SURVIVOR-CENTERED/DRIVEN ADVOCACY

WAC 388-61A HighlightsDefinition of DV broader than definition in

RCW 10.99.020(3)Supports independent decision-makingSafety plan is a processBuilds on strengths and resources of

individuals and families, respecting autonomy and self-determination

Community collaboration

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Where did concept come from?

Outcome Evaluation Strategies for DV Programs, Cris Sullivan, Ph.D, 1998

Documenting Our Work project started in 1998, with Eleanor Lyon, Anne Menard and Sujata Warrier; implemented 2009

Two year process to reshape WACs

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Similar Models: Social Work

Strengths PerspectiveAssesses and builds on strengthsClients more invested in process when they

feel they are an integral part It works

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Similar Models: Mental Health

Recovery Model/Wellness Model Hope Nonlinear Strengths-based Peer support Self-direction Responsibility Holistic Individualized and person centered Empowerment Respect

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Exercise and Small Group Discussion

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OVERLAP BETWEEN HOMELESSNESS AND DV

“The availability of safe, affordable, and stable housing can make a critical difference in a woman’s ability to escape an abusive partner and remain safe and independent. Without viable housing options, many battered women, particularly those already living in poverty, are forced to remain in abusive relationships, accept inadequate or unsafe housing conditions, or become homeless and perhaps increase their risk of sexual and physical violence.” (Anne Menard)

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Among mothers with children experiencing homelessness, more than 80 percent had previously experienced domestic violence.

Between 22% and 57% of women experiencing homelessness report that domestic or sexual violence was the immediate cause of their homelessness, depending on the region and type of study.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

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HOMELESSNESS & POVERTY

2003 article cites a study where over half of the sample did not leave their homes after separation; the abusive partner left.

Reason for homelessness not always safety, but financial inability to stay in home.

Baker, C.K., Cook, Sarah, and Norris, Fran (2003). Domestic Violence and Housing Problems. Violence Against Womer, 7, pp 754-783.

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Batterer’s behavior can play a significant role in sabotaging a woman’s opportunities for economic stability.

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At risk of homelessness…SHARE Study:

Addressing Housing Instability Reduces Revictimization and the Likelihood of Homelessness

Housing Instability is Linked to Poor Outcomes for DV Survivors and Their Children

HOUSING INSTABILITY & DV

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RESULTS OF HOUSING INSTABILITY

More severe PTSD, worse depression, poorer quality of life, missing work/school and greater hospital/emergency medical use

As strong or stronger a predictor of negative outcomes as level of danger

Linked to children’s problems in cognitive, emotional or behavioral functioning and decreased school performance and attendance.

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Small Group Discussion

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CAN HPRP WORK FOR DV SURVIVORS?

Office of Violence Against Women Transitional Housing Grants: 75% are rental assistance programs

Volunteers of America Home Free, Portland, OR

District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH), Washington D.C.

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DV HOUSING FIRST PILOT PROJECT

Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

2-year funding for 4 agencies: Eastside Domestic Violence Program (King County) Family Resource Center of Lincoln County Womencare Shelter (Whatcom County) YWCA of Kitsap County

Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence funded to provide TA and support for agencies and to work at systems level for policy and practice changes

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WHAT ARE THE RESULTS SO FAR?

Out of 112 participants entering program during first year (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

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SERVICE LEVELS FOR EACH GROUP

55.9% Light Touch27% Medium Touch17.1% High Need

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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.

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WHAT’S NEEDED TO MAKE IT WORK?

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SURVIVOR-CENTERED ADVOCACY

Safety planning* Empowerment Reinforcement of autonomy and self-determination Offering options Voluntary services

*Housing decisions need to be made at survivor’s pace—when and where she feels safe.

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AGENCY CULTURE

Meeting survivor where s/he isThinking “outside the box” for creative

solutionsFlexibility in funding and services

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STRONG RELATIONSHIPS

Include DV agencies in Continuum of Care plans and County 10-year Plans to End Homelessness

Cross-training Referral agreements Develop program protocols through DV lens Coordinated Entry and HMIS solutions Mutual Consultative Support Landlord Liaison Work Together

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Scenarios/Discussion

How should I respond when a DV survivor requests housing services?

How can I provide case management that incorporates principles of DV advocacy?

How might my program’s policies change to better support DV survivors?

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QUESTIONS?

Linda Olsen, MA, MSW

Housing Project Coordinator

Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence

linda@wscadv.org

206-389-2515, ext 20525

www.wscadv.org