How Housing First Supports Survivors of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness, especially for women and children. Survivors face a complex array of challenges when trying to rebuild their lives, from securing housing to addressing emotional and financial needs. This is where the Domestic Violence Housing First (DVHF) model comes in, offering a survivor-centered, trauma-informed approach that prioritizes getting survivors into stable housing as quickly as possible. Unlike traditional methods, DVHF not only provides a roof over their heads, but also offers ongoing support tailored to the unique needs of each survivor.

Survivor-Driven, Flexible, and Trauma-Informed Advocacy

The core of DVHF is survivor-driven advocacy. Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all solution, advocates ask, “What do you need?” This approach gives survivors the power to set their own goals and decide what support would benefit them most. Whether it’s help with rent, childcare, transportation, or legal services, DVHF recognizes that each survivor’s needs are unique and varied.

Flexible financial assistance plays a critical role in ensuring housing stability. This assistance isn’t limited to just paying rent or utility bills; it also helps with indirect costs like child care, work uniforms, or even car repairs—things that may seem small but can make a huge difference in maintaining housing. As one California-based DVHF program, NEWS, highlights, flexible funding allows them to creatively use resources to help survivors remain in their homes, preventing homelessness altogether.

Mobile Advocacy and Building Community Connections

Another key feature of DVHF is mobile advocacy, which brings support directly to survivors. Rather than requiring survivors to come to an office, advocates meet them where it is safe and convenient, such as at a park, coffee shop, or their home. This informal setting helps build trust and allows advocates to better understand the survivor’s circumstances, offering personalized support that extends beyond just housing—whether it’s accompanying them to legal appointments or helping them search for jobs.

DVHF also emphasizes community engagement. Advocates work with landlords, housing providers, and other community partners to ensure survivors have access to stable housing even if they don’t meet traditional rental requirements. By forging relationships with these stakeholders, programs like NEWS have successfully convinced landlords to prioritize housing survivors, providing ongoing support to both the tenant and the landlord to ensure stability.

Improved Outcomes: Stability, Safety, and Well-Being

Studies underscore the effectiveness of the DVHF model. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that survivors who received DVHF services experienced significantly greater improvements in housing stability, safety, and mental health symptoms, such as reduced depression and PTSD, compared to those who received traditional services. Over a 24-month period, survivors consistently reported improved well-being, emphasizing the long-term benefits of this model.

Additionally, research shows that DVHF reduces re-abuse and economic instability. A 12-month study found that survivors receiving DVHF reported decreased physical, psychological, and economic abuse, along with improved housing stability. By addressing both immediate and long-term needs, DVHF helps survivors rebuild their lives in a holistic and sustainable way.

Local Resources for Survivors

For survivors in Chester County, PA, the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County (DVCCC) offers essential services, including counseling, housing, legal support, and public education. Their Survivor’s Toolbox provides a wealth of resources—webinars, apps, podcasts, and more—that empower survivors to take control of their lives and thrive beyond violence.

Conclusion

The Housing First approach, and specifically DVHF, offers a transformative pathway for survivors of domestic violence. By centering survivors' voices, offering flexible financial assistance, and building strong community connections, DVHF helps survivors regain control of their lives, free from violence, with the stability of a safe home. While more funding is necessary to expand these services, the success stories emerging from programs across the country highlight the life-changing impact of this approach.

For more information on how Housing First can support survivors, or to access local resources, visit the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County’s website.

Resources:

• “What is DVHF?” One Pager PDF by Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (wscadv.org)

• Domestic Violence Housing First Model (safehousingpartnerships.org)

• Housing First Approach Helps Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence Remain Stably Housed | National Low Income Housing Coalition (nlihc.org)

• Domestic Violence Housing First Model and Association With Survivors’ Housing Stability, Safety, and Well-being Over 2 Years | Public Health | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network

• Impact of the Domestic Violence Housing First Model on Survivors’ Safety and Housing Stability: 12-Month Findings - PMC (nih.gov)

• Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence in Chester County (dvcccpa.org)

Domestic Violence Center of Chester County Housing Programs

50 Obstacles to Leaving

Understanding the Cycle of Housing Insecurity for Marginalized Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence