Survivors are forced to choose between leaving an abusive relationship and potential homelessness or housing instability and economic hardship. In fact, over one-third of survivors report becoming homeless immediately after separating from their abusive partners (Baker, C.K., Cook, S.L. et al. 2003. Violence Against Women, 9.). Casa Myrna believes that affordable housing is a vital tool survivors need to be free of abuse.
On this Housing Resources site, you will find:
Housing Search Guide for Advocates: Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking
Developed by Piltch Associates, MassHousing, and Casa Myrna, this guide is designed for advocates working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault who are seeking assistance with locating and obtaining permanent affordable housing in Massachusetts. The intent of this guide is not to make you an expert on all the federal and state housing programs. Rather, it is to provide basic information on key affordable housing programs and on the application process for obtaining affordable housing.
Help us keep the guide accurate and useful! If you have any comments or questions about the guide, or notice any broken links, please click here to provide feedback.
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Massachusetts State Law and Housing: An Overview for Housing Providers
Developed by MassHousing, the purpose of this Handbook is to provide public and assisted housing providers information regarding their legal obligations, and rights regarding survivors of DVDVSAS including the obligation not to discriminate, and practical guidance and resources that can be used when a survivor is going to be denied housing because of a negative tenancy related behavior or is at risk of losing their housing. The authors’ goal is that the information will reduce discrimination survivors face, facilitate a collaborate effort between housing providers and domestic and sexual violence advocates in Massachusetts, and reduce housing instability as an obstacle for survivors.
Housing training series for survivors – link coming soon
Developed by Casa Myrna and the Boston Regional Housing Partnership, this five series training provides survivors with an overview of the subsidized housing process including: getting organized, affordable housing, application process, preferences and priorities and income guidelines, and economic literacy.
Domestic and sexual violence 101 for housing providers*
Developed by MassHousing, the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC), and Casa Myrna, this 2-hour training was designed to assist housing professionals working with residents who are survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It provides an overview of sexual and domestic violence, understanding and responding to crisis and trauma, responding to disclosure, and resources for survivors and housing management staff.
*These trainings were developed by or for the Training and Collaboration Working Group of the Housing Subcommittee of the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence.
Below you can find links to housing resources that may be available to survivors.
Emergency Housing Assistance through the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities – resources include:
Housing Consumer Education Centers (HCEC) offer answers to a wide range of questions about all types of housing problems. HCECs provide information and resources that help tenants, landlords, prospective buyers, and homeowners make informed decisions about their housing situation and housing related issues.
Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program provides short-term emergency funding to help families with eviction, foreclosure, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies.
Looking for support for domestic or sexual violence? Reach out to your local domestic violence or sexual assault organization to connect with resources in your community. You can find us by:
Looking for non-domestic and sexual violence housing resources in your community? Check out the state’s directory of housing subsidy administrators, local housing authorities, emergency shelter assistance agencies, community action agencies, fuel assistance, housing mediation, legal assistance, and more.
When you are unable to stay in your federally subsidized unit because of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, you may be able to request an “emergency transfer.” Casa Myrna can support you through this process. We can:
To get help applying for an emergency transfer or to learn more, click here or email us at ETP@casamyrna.org.
