1 PREVENTION AND RAPID REHOUSING: STRATEGIES FOR HOMELESS DV SURVIVORS WSCH Conference, 5/11-13/2011

2 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

3 SURVIVOR-CENTERED/DRIVEN ADVOCACY WAC A Highlights Definition of DV broader than definition in RCW (3) Supports independent decision-making Safety plan is a process Builds on strengths and resources of individuals and families, respecting autonomy and self-determination Community collaboration

4 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

5 Similar Models: Social Work Strengths Perspective Assesses and builds on strengths Clients more invested in process when they feel they are an integral part It works

6 Similar Models: Mental Health Recovery Model/Wellness Model Hope Nonlinear Strengths-based Peer support Self-direction Responsibility Holistic Individualized and person centered Empowerment Respect

7 Exercise and Small Group Discussion

8 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)

9 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?

10 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

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

12 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

13 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.

14 Small Group Discussion

15 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.

16 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

17 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

18 SERVICE LEVELS FOR EACH GROUP 55.9% Light Touch 27% Medium Touch 17.1% High Need

19 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.

20 WHAT’S NEEDED TO MAKE IT WORK?

21 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.

22 AGENCY CULTURE Meeting survivor where s/he is Thinking “outside the box” for creative solutions Flexibility in funding and services

23 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

24 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?

25 QUESTIONS? Linda Olsen, MA, MSW Housing Project Coordinator Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence , ext