Transitional Housing Models

This resource describes transitional housing models and rent structures used by OVW Transitional Housing Program grantees. A program's housing model should be determined by what meets the needs of the survivors being served.

Scattered Site

In the scattered site model, survivors live in units owned by third-party landlords. Scattered site units may be located throughout the state where the grantee is located to best meet survivors' needs. The scattered site model allows a survivor to find a unit that meets their needs for permanent housing and transition in place. Transitioning in place means that the survivor does not need to relocate once assistance from the Transitional Housing Program grantee ends.

Generally Allowable Expenses

• 100% of market-rate rental costs for 24 months (including pet rent)
• Security deposits (including pet deposits)
• Rental application fees
• Utilities/utility deposits
• Moving costs
• Broker fees

General Considerations

• Transitional Housing Program grantees may either ask the survivor to hold the lease in their name, or lease the unit and sublease to the survivor.
• The survivor may determine what unit best fits their needs, including size and rent cost. OVW does not require Transitional Housing Program grantees to use Fair Market Rent, and grantees should consider units that best match survivors' needs.

Site-Based

Under the site-based model, survivors are eligible to reside for up to 24 months in a unit owned or rented by the grantee program. In contrast to the scattered site model, site-based housing requires a survivor to relocate after their Transitional Housing Program-funded stay has ended.

Generally Allowable Expenses

• Utilities
• General maintenance
• Insurance

General Considerations

• Housing should be low-barrier and have flexible eligibility criteria for survivors.
  • The Transitional Housing Program defines survivor eligibility as follows (34 U.S.C. § 12351):
    • homeless, or in need of transitional housing or other housing assistance, as a result of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking; and
    • for whom emergency shelter services or other crisis intervention services are unavailable or insufficient.
• To promote autonomy and privacy, programs should consider units that have separate living spaces for survivors (like bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms). Housing units should be configured to promote stable, long-term living environments.
• Transitional Housing Program funds are not intended to support emergency housing.

Transitional Housing Costs 

The Transitional Housing Program does not require survivors to contribute toward rental payments or pay program fees. As a result, programs should consider drafting budgets that allow for 100% payment of all of the survivor's living expenses for up to 24 months.

Emergency Housing

The Transitional Housing Program does not support temporary, short-term, or otherwise limited emergency housing. Programs should offer housing support for up to 24 months to assist survivors with: overcoming barriers resulting from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking; and achieving permanent housing and self-sufficiency.