Grant Supports Oregon Housing Program Combating Violence Against Women

$499,978 will Support Program in Klamath County, Oregon.

The reality of domestic abuse doesn't hold a candle to a disturbing image. Courtesy: mightyminnow.files.wordpress.com

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Attorney General Eric Holder today announced that $499,978 in Recovery Act funds was awarded to an Oregon organization by the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Recovery Act Transitional Housing Program. The funds are being awarded to the Klamath Crisis Center in Klamath County.

“The most vulnerable in our society too often bear the greatest burden in times of economic hardship, which is why dedicating these funds to help survivors and their families get back on their feet is a concrete example of the Recovery Act at work,” said Attorney General Holder.

“Providing viable temporary housing options and services that promote self-sufficiency are critical and proven steps toward violence-free lives.”

The Department of Justice is awarding $499,978 to the Klamath Crisis Center (KCC) and partnering agencies to assist victims of domestic and sexual violence in securing transitional housing for 6 to 24 months and create a pathway for securing permanent housing free from violence.

The KCC will provide culturally-specific transitional housing for Latino women by operating a dedicated 4-bedroom house, serve at least 68 people over the three year grant period, develop individual plans for each client in the program, offer support services for up to one year after exiting the program and provide weekly staff or advocate contact with clients in the program.

The landmark American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, signed into law by President Obama, provides the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) with $43 million for the Transitional Housing Assistance Program to provide holistic, victim-centered support services that move individuals into permanent housing.

Transitional housing programs meet the goals of the Recovery Act through employing victim advocates and other personnel to assist victims, renovating housing for victims, offering additional housing units, and increasing job opportunities for victims through training, education and other support services. The award period for these grants is 24-36 months.

OVW, a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence against women through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.

For more information visit at ovw.usdoj.gov.