NYC’s LINC Program Impacts DV Survivors

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.....

Continue Reading HERE

For more information about the LINC program, please visit NYC.gov.

N-0 Housing Priority Status Legislation Proposed to NYCHA

New York, NY - December 15, 2014

The Center Against Domestic Violence joined fellow domestic violence supporters on the steps of city hall on December 15, 2014 to show support for Senator Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda’s announcement of the new proposed legislation to grant equal housing priority for victims of domestic violence. The new legislation will require N-0 equal housing priority for women residing in HRA domestic violence shelters.

It currently stands, that victims of domestic violence and intimidated witnesses do not have the same priority status as other homeless. Although there is a housing priority for victims of domestic violence and intimidated witnesses, it is not as high a priority as that given to homeless families. Even though families residing in domestic violence shelters are homeless, they are not eligible for the same homeless priority housing.

That is why Senator Klein is proposing to introduce this legislation to grant homeless domestic violence victims same equal housing preference as other homeless. As Senator Klein stated, “Domestic violence victims are being discriminated against within the homeless shelter program. The fact that they aren't given the same preference - is ridiculous.” This will ease the transition for victims from domestic violence shelters, to regular housing. It will also help prevent victims from returning to their batterer, for fear of being completely homeless.

Judith Kahan, CEO of the Center Against Domestic Violence and founding co-chair of New York City’s Coalition of Domestic Violence Residential Service Providers, “wants NYCHA to open their doors to all battered women with the same housing preference as other homeless people. We urge the legislature to pass Sen. Klein’s bill.”

35 years ago, the Center Against Domestic Violence was the first organization to work with NYCHA on making battered women a priority for public housing. It was of vital importance that women affected by domestic violence were granted equal access to housing from NYCHA once they leave the shelter. We have continued to fight for equal preference housing over these past 35 years; however, equal access priority has changed face within legislation throughout the years.

Read alternative media coverage Here >>

The bill will be introduced in January. Please check back later for further information.

Bronxnet Interview with RAPP Coordinator Debra Hayes

Watch Saint Catherine Academy student interview CADV Relationship Abuse Prevention Program coordinator, Debra Hayes, on what an abusive relationship is and what to do if you are in one.

Debra has been working in the field of preventative violence for 12 years. She currently works with students as a RAPP coordinator, helping teens prevent and end violence.

Watch HERE>>

Giving Tuesday 2014

#GivingTuesday is almost here! Tomorrow, on Tuesday December 2nd, the Center Against Domestic Violence will be participating in Giving Tuesday. Please show support on this generous day! The holidays can be are a hard time, but it is always difficult for families dealing with the trauma of domestic violence and the hardship of starting a new life. Please donate funds for gift cards so parents we shelter can purchase holiday presents for their children.   We're asking you to help ease the financial burden of buying gifts so that survivors of domestic violence can celebrate this December!

Visions & Voices, Off Broadway - This Weekend!

The Caring Committee of EILEEN FISHER presents a benefit to raise funds for the Center Against Domestic Violence and AutismSpeaks.org: 

Purchase Tickets.

All proceeds benefit the Center Against Domestic Violence and AutismSpeaks.org.

Visions & Voices, Off Broadway

November 1st, 2014

Irvington Town Hall Theatre 

85 Main St., Irvington, NY

Thank you for your support!

Becky's Marathon Blog: Twenty Six . Two

If you've been following our marathon team hashtag #RunForCADVNY on Twitter, you may have seen blog posts from our runner Becky. Becky's blog, "Twenty Six . Two," is her "step by step account of a non-runner's marathon training."

We love reading it and we hope you will too!

You can find Becky's marathon blog HERE.

Tickets Still Available - Join Us!

We still have a few tickets left for our breakfast on October 23rd.

The panel will address domestic violence and how the Center and others utilize the arts to help survivors heal.

Please join us to learn about domestic violence so you can help raise awarness about this critical issue that affects one out of four women.

Click Here to purchase tickets. 

Click Here to learn more about the breakfast.

Click Here to read more about our panelists.

The ticket includes a buffet breakfast and general seating access to the panel discussion. All proceeds from ticket sales support the Center's life saving work. We hope to see you there - get your ticket today!