Steps to End Domestic Violence (formerly women Helping Battered Women)

Sophie's Place 

www.stepsvt.org

Sophie’s Place began as a collaborative project between the Vermont Department of Children and Families Economic Services Division, the City of Burlington’s Housing Authority (BHA) and Steps to End Domestic Violence (Steps). It was based on a simple plan to provide victims of domestic violence quicker access to public housing subsidies so that they could move directly from violent homes into safe transitional housing- avoiding the trauma and costs of overlong stays in emergency shelters. This solution simultaneously eased suffering, streamlined services and saved money. Now functioning as a key component of Step’s comprehensive Economic Justice and Transitional Housing Program, in ongoing partnership with BHA, Sophie’s Place provides 11 units of transitional housing. Steps offers support and advocacy to residents working toward meeting their goals of safety and self-sufficiency and helps them gain access to permanent stable housing. Pennywise funds support this innovative, collaborative and cost-saving program.