Preventing Homelessness among Marin County Domestic Violence Survivors

To truly address the issue of domestic violence, we must also address the issue of housing insecurity. These two issues are deeply intertwined and cannot be solved without considering the other. Survivors of domestic violence are often forced to stay in abusive relationships due to housing insecurity, and children are constantly exposed to violence when unstable housing or homelessness is a factor. This perpetuates the cycle of violence and can have long-lasting effects on both the survivors and their children. According to a recent study conducted by the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, 57% of homeless women cited domestic violence as the primary reason for their homelessness. This percentage increases to a staggering 80% if the woman is also caring for a child.

This means that many women are forced to choose between staying in an abusive relationship or becoming homeless. This is an impossible decision that no one should have to make.

Two main reasons why survivors may be at increased risk of homelessness include the immediate need to escape violence and shield their children from ongoing abuse. However, they may face many additional barriers, including but not limited to poor or no established credit, limited access to resources and affordable housing, job loss due to abuse, and lack of support/alienation by the abuser.

Our Commitment to Making a Difference

C4DP is proud to be one of the 65 grantees in California funded to implement a DV Housing First Program. This innovative model has shown promise in addressing both housing insecurity and domestic violence. As a result, C4DP expanded its housing model beyond emergency shelter and transitional housing. Through this program, survivors are provided with rental and other flexible financial assistance to help them secure and maintain safe and stable permanent housing as quickly as possible. In the past two years alone, C4DP has distributed more than $584,000 in rental assistance to 23 survivors and provided more than $104,000 in childcare stipends to 12 households. This has allowed survivors to rebuild their lives and break the cycle of abuse.

Additionally, C4DP is the recipient of funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Marin County Continuum of Care, designed to assist survivors and their families grappling with homelessness by facilitating their transition into transitional and permanent housing toward long-term stability. We offer rental assistance and flexible funding to survivors in need, and we are proud to report that in the past year 94% of those receiving this care successfully transitioned to permanent housing.

Extending Our Support

C4DP is steadfast in our commitment to assisting victims seeking refuge from abusive relationships, and we want to ensure that their transition is both smooth and safe.

Our shelter offers a secure, confidential space where individuals and families can access essential resources, find respite, and receive services such as case management, legal advocacy, counseling, support groups, and children’s programs.

Second Step is a long-term, transitional housing facility. Affordable housing provides survivors with time to rebuild their lives and obtain resources to achieve economic independence.

Our Rapid Rehousing Program helps residents living in our emergency shelter transition to permanent housing. Our participants shouldn’t fear that they won’t have a roof for themselves or their families when they leave an abusive situation.

At C4DP, we ensure that no one needs to decide between staying in an abusive household or living on the streets. If you or someone you know needs help, please call our 24-hour hotline to speak with an empathetic and caring advocate to help them navigate resources and validate their experience.

In peace and partnership,
Tara Peterson, Executive Director