Domestic and sexual violence is a leading cause of homelessness—for women, in particular, as well as unaccompanied youth.  All too many victims of violence face the only choice available to them:  continued abuse at home or the likelihood of homelessness for themselves and their children, if they leave.  While our 18 member programs throughout the state provide immediate refuge for victims leaving an abusive home, longer term solutions are necessary.
Recognizing the special housing needs of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AFHC), the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault (AHFC) and the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA) joined forces to offer a referral based, transitional housing assistance program to low income survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.  With appropriations from both HUD and the State of Alaska, this program is designed to assist up to 250 individuals and families in securing safe, affordable housing in the private marketplace.  We are proud to be the first in the nation state coalition to partner with a public housing authority to offer this innovative and creative approach to prevent displaced victims of domestic and sexual violence from becoming homeless.  For more information on the program visit the AHFC website by clicking here.