Ever since Turning Point began, we have found that the most common reason victims of domestic violence return to their abusers is a lack of affordable housing.
While our shelter is great for the short-term, we have not been able to provide the long-term stability most victims need. That is about to change.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has made grant dollars available for domestic violence needs and the Marion JFS office applied for a grant for Turning Point.
This funding will be used to extend the stays of shelter clients who can benefit from more time to get their lives together and who need additional support as they go through this program.
The new transitional housing will be in our existing shelter and additional bedrooms will be made available.
In addition, funding will be available for needs not currently met such as child care and transportation.
TANF eligible clients will be screened as to their suitability for this program. It is important that they have attainable goals and are determined to escape the life of violence that brought them to us.
Executive Director, Paula Roller and Program Director, Paula Burnside have put in countless hours to make this project happen.
“This is a start. We have always wanted to have a transitional housing program. We know that this particular grant is for only a short time but there is money out there for existing programs.
“This is our chance to build a program that can make a huge difference in the lives of so many. Our next goal is to expand the program by placing housing units in the other counties we serve,” said Roller.
