City will help place domestic violence survivors in ‘safe, permanent’ homes

NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) – The city will help land 100 domestic violence survivors and their families permanent housing as part of a pilot program, Mayor Eric Adams announced Monday alongside expanded eligibility for supportive housing.

The $300,000 pilot, dubbed Project Home, will connect eligible families in domestic violence shelters with housing navigators who will identify options, work with landlords and brokers and assist with applications, according to city officials.

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“Our families need safe, supportive housing,” said Nicole Branca, executive director of New Destiny Housing.

Additionally, the city expanded eligibility to open new housing options for survivors.

Survivors living in domestic violence shelters will now qualify for Housing, Preservation and Development units previously reserved exclusively for people experiencing homelessness in city shelters. Supportive housing previously earmarked for New Yorkers experiencing severe mental illness and substance use will also open up to domestic violence survivors, officials announced Monday.

“It takes tremendous courage for a person to make this call and even more courage to leave their abuser. It’s obviously fear of being found by their abuser, but it’s also the fear of leaving everything behind, including their savings and all their belongings,” Branca said. “This is compounded by the extreme shortage of housing in this city.”

Domestic and family health violence are common problems estimated to affect 10 million people in the United States every year. Anyone looking for help can find resources here.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered local news for years. She has been with PIX11 since 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter.

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