the essential guide - Texas Council on Family Violence

Chapter 5: Housing AdvocacyIn this chapter you will: Identify practices in conducting a housing assessment and addressing survivors’ concerns. Identify affordable housing resources. Identify housing protections for survivors.“The ache for home lives in all of us, <strong>the</strong> safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.” –Maya AngelouHousing and Domestic ViolenceThere are a number of reasons that victims may stay with an abusive partner or even return to <strong>the</strong>abusive relationship. Survivors tell us one of <strong>the</strong> largest barriers to escaping an abusive relationship is <strong>the</strong>need for safe, affordable housing.Responding to housing concerns requires more than offering basic safety planning and a list of potentialapartments. The first step involves taking a housing history, listening and responding to survivorconcerns. The Navigating Housing Issues table introduces some common survivor housing concerns andAn Advocate’s Role…Assessment: As an advocate, you want to be able to provide a thorough assessment to <strong>the</strong> survivor. Todo this, you need to explore:Housing HistorySafety ConcernsResourcesEligibilityInformation and Referral: Once you have a good picture of <strong>the</strong> survivor’s strengths, resources, needs,barriers and concerns, you can provide information about and referrals to appropriate housing options.possible supportive responsesTHE ESSENTIAL GUIDE: AN INTRODUCTION TO ADVOCATING FOR SURVIVORS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE43 | P a g e