Affordable housing: an uphill battle for survivors of domestic abuse
By Leanna Bergeron
Finding affordable housing away from an abuser is a daunting challenge many survivors of domestic abuse face. DOVE Center, the area’s nonprofit organization dedicated to serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, has recently begun to expand its housing services, thanks to new funding from the Housing First grant.
According to the Purple Purse Foundation, 99 percent of all domestic violence cases include financial abuse, which involves an abuser having control over a partner’s finances or ability to work.
When individuals cannot afford housing, they can become trapped in abusive situations or be forced into homelessness if they choose to leave. Those with children and those living in poverty are especially vulnerable.
“Most people are aware of the crisis period victims face when a survivor enters into short-term safe shelter,” said Lindsey Boyer, executive director of DOVE Center. “That’s what we refer to as the short haul. What most people don’t think about is the long haul.”
Studies show that levels of danger decrease dramatically when a victim’s housing situation is stabilized, especially if they also maintain a connection to domestic violence advocates, Boyer said.
However, finding affordable housing on a minimum wage income in the country’s fastest growing metropolitan area is no easy task.
Housing costs in the St. George area continue to rise each year while wages remain static. The median home value in St. George is $271,219 and has increased 10.2 percent in the last year. The market rate for a two-bedroom rental runs around $900, which requires much more than minimum wage earnings.
The Housing First grant funds will allow DOVE Center to work closely with rental agencies and landlords to help their clients find affordable housing.
Additionally, as of 2017, DOVE Center acquired three apartment units through its merger with the Erin Kimball Memorial Foundation, allowing it to provide in-house transitional housing for survivors.
As the Washington County population continues to skyrocket, so does the number of survivors reaching out for help. DOVE reported serving 748 clients in 2017, a 25 percent increase from 2016.
“The need is ongoing,” Boyer said. “Helping our clients transition into long-term housing is one of our top priorities and one of our greatest challenges.”
Articles related to “Affordable housing: an uphill battle for survivors of domestic abuse”
Verizon HopeLine grant helps DOVE Center to expand prevention education, digital outreach
Financial Empowerment Grant “a game changer” for DOVE Center
