Steps to End Domestic Violence (formerly women Helping Battered Women)
COVID-19 RESPONSE
When the COVID-19 crisis hit we understood that “Stay Home Stay Safe” orders create a dangerous contradiction for far too many whose homes are anything but safe. So, we reached out to our friends at Steps to see how we could help. Here is what they said:
"Steps is acutely aware of how the COVID-19 crisis is impacting survivors in a variety of ways. Beyond the heightened need for emotional support services, isolate-in-place safety planning and crisis intervention, the financial impact of this global crisis has a unique impact on survivors who may consider remaining in or returning to an abusive relationship due to the financial strains they are facing. Additional support for our economic justice programming will ensure that we can bridge that gap for households already in our programs, even if they face a short-term setback, and provide Steps with the ability to continue meeting the needs of other survivors who are seeking similar support."
Pennywise has pledged resources for this lifesaving programming through our Urgent Response Fund. But we need your help to continue to grow that fund so we can be there for our partners for the duration of this crisis. Please give now so that more people can, truly, be safe in their homes.
When the COVID-19 crisis hit we understood that “Stay Home Stay Safe” orders create a dangerous contradiction for far too many whose homes are anything but safe. So, we reached out to our friends at Steps to see how we could help. Here is what they said:
"Steps is acutely aware of how the COVID-19 crisis is impacting survivors in a variety of ways. Beyond the heightened need for emotional support services, isolate-in-place safety planning and crisis intervention, the financial impact of this global crisis has a unique impact on survivors who may consider remaining in or returning to an abusive relationship due to the financial strains they are facing. Additional support for our economic justice programming will ensure that we can bridge that gap for households already in our programs, even if they face a short-term setback, and provide Steps with the ability to continue meeting the needs of other survivors who are seeking similar support."
Pennywise has pledged resources for this lifesaving programming through our Urgent Response Fund. But we need your help to continue to grow that fund so we can be there for our partners for the duration of this crisis. Please give now so that more people can, truly, be safe in their homes.
www.stepsvt.org
Steps to End Domestic Violence (Steps) is the largest provider of services to individuals experiencing domestic violence in Vermont. Steps offers broad based advocacy programs, all operating in partnership with other governmental and NGO services that help survivors of domestic violence meet their goals of safety and self-sufficiency.
The Pennywise Foundation has supported Steps since we first began making grants in 2015. We have focused this partnership on Steps’ economic justice programming as these services not only offer immediate relief to survivors but also create cost effective pathways that allow survivors to move directly from violent homes into safe transitional and permanent housing. These programs are the kind of smart, sustainable programming that reflect Pennywise priorities.
The economic justice programs at Steps to End Domestic Violence (Steps) exemplify how the organization strives to operate. The economic justice programming offered includes a variety of financial support services from back rent and utility assistance to affordable housing navigation support and transitional or "rapid rehousing" programs. These programs, in particular, are aimed at reducing the incidence of homelessness when victims are fleeing domestic violence by moving them directly from violent homes into safe transitional housing.
These programs are based on a simple plan to provide victims of domestic violence with quicker access to public housing subsidies or tax-credit units that support long-term affordability by providing immediate rental assistance so that they are able to secure housing and avoid the trauma and cost of long-term stays in emergency shelters. This solution simultaneously eases suffering, streamlines services and saves money.
Steps partners with the Vermont Department of Children and Families Economic Services Division, Burlington Housing Authority, and other local housing providers to identify stable housing opportunities and relevant support services to ensure long-term stability.
Steps to End Domestic Violence (Steps) is the largest provider of services to individuals experiencing domestic violence in Vermont. Steps offers broad based advocacy programs, all operating in partnership with other governmental and NGO services that help survivors of domestic violence meet their goals of safety and self-sufficiency.
The Pennywise Foundation has supported Steps since we first began making grants in 2015. We have focused this partnership on Steps’ economic justice programming as these services not only offer immediate relief to survivors but also create cost effective pathways that allow survivors to move directly from violent homes into safe transitional and permanent housing. These programs are the kind of smart, sustainable programming that reflect Pennywise priorities.
The economic justice programs at Steps to End Domestic Violence (Steps) exemplify how the organization strives to operate. The economic justice programming offered includes a variety of financial support services from back rent and utility assistance to affordable housing navigation support and transitional or "rapid rehousing" programs. These programs, in particular, are aimed at reducing the incidence of homelessness when victims are fleeing domestic violence by moving them directly from violent homes into safe transitional housing.
These programs are based on a simple plan to provide victims of domestic violence with quicker access to public housing subsidies or tax-credit units that support long-term affordability by providing immediate rental assistance so that they are able to secure housing and avoid the trauma and cost of long-term stays in emergency shelters. This solution simultaneously eases suffering, streamlines services and saves money.
Steps partners with the Vermont Department of Children and Families Economic Services Division, Burlington Housing Authority, and other local housing providers to identify stable housing opportunities and relevant support services to ensure long-term stability.
