Victims becoming VICTORS

Domestic abuse and trafficking are major drivers of women’s homelessness: up to 57% of homeless women flee domestic violence, and over 90% endure severe physical or sexual trauma. Moreover, 64% of trafficking survivors report having experienced homelessness or housing instability prior to their exploitation. Without safe transitional housing, survivors face terrifying choices—returning to danger or risking life on the streets.

​

Emergency shelters are often the first step for survivors fleeing abuse, which means that shelters and local programs must have the resources they need to keep space available for victims in need. When shelters are full, survivors are often faced with an impossible decision between returning to an abuser or risking homelessness.

​

Transitional housing, sometimes called second stage housing, is a residency program that provides referrals to support services. Usually provided after crisis or homeless shelter, transitional housing is designed as a bridge to self-sufficiency and permanent housing. Residents usually remain from six months to two years and are typically required to establish goals to work towards economic stability.

 

Sanctuary First Foundation, offers a vital bridge: trauma-informed, secure residency (6–24 months) with access to therapy, job training, and personalized support. We focus on empowering women to regain stability, rebuild credit, and achieve independence from abuse, as well as other skills necessary to attain and maintain permanent housing.