Message from CEO Judy Kahan
This past November the City released a new assisted housing program called Living in Communities (LINC) – a stabilized rent subsidy program for New Yorkers who are homeless, including the people we serve – domestic violence survivors. Since 2010 there has not been any funding program to assist domestic violence survivors to find housing. Without this assistance to find and keep a new home, independent of their batterers, what is a survivor to do? Without assistance, the choice can be between being battered and being homeless.
I spoke with Ebony Williams, one of CADV’s Housing Specialists, about this new program and how LINC affects our clients.
Judy: Can you tell me what a Housing Specialist does at the Center Against Domestic Violence?
Ebony: We work with families staying at our shelters to find them permanent housing before their time spent at the shelter reaches 180 days. During their stay we apply through HRA for assisted housing, and hopefully help them acquire permanent housing. While trying to find them permanent housing, we also educate and counsel families about financial independence.
Judy: Is it common to find housing? What happens if an apartment has not been secured?
Ebony: We do as much as we can to get families approved for housing: we help them find apartments; and work together to fill out the application packets, lease terms, and more. Sadly, with limited funds, some resistance from property owners, and not a lot of available rental space, some people will face homelessness. If a family does not have a housing placement, we apply to have the families time at our shelter extended, but this is not always granted.
Judy: Can you give us an example of someone the Center helped find housing?
Ebony: Suzanna and her family were recently living in our shelter for four months.....
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For more information about the LINC program, please visit NYC.gov.
