Opening A Transitional Housing Shelter
Opening a Transitional Housing Shelter For Abused Women
A variety of programs and services already exist for abused victims to treat and prevent domestic violence. Since 1964, more than 1800 transitional housing shelters for abused women have been established in the United States. Initially designed to simply provide a safe place for victims and their children, shelters now provide a wide range of programs. At shelters, victims of abuse may receive legal assistance, counseling for themselves and their children, referral to other treatment programs (substance abuse programs), and additional advocacy services.In 1994 Congress passed the Violence Against Women Act, which authorized more than $ 800 million in federal funds for state and local programs to combat domestic violence. One federal program was established by the 1987 Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. Among other things, this act established adult education programs, provided emergency homelessness prevention funds, and created a number of transitional housing programs. These government programs have made the lives of many homeless and abused women more tolerable, but there is still great need from churches and other Christian groups to provide additional sources of help. While the government does provide some services, most of the help for the homeless, including abused women, comes from the private sector, principally from churches that operate shelters, and distribute clothing and other essentials. Studies find that many factors such as economic, interpersonal, cultural, and social, prevent victims from leaving violent relationships. But those victims who do seek help from community services often find that agencies are overwhelmed and limited in their resources. One way churches can help abused women obtain transitional housing is to either open a transitional housing shelter or to provide transitional housing in the homes of its members.
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