New York City Mayor Eric Adams has recently introduced “Project Home,” a pioneering initiative aimed at quickly providing permanent housing to families escaping domestic violence.
This pilot program, an integral part of the “Women Forward NYC” campaign, is designed to make the city a national leader in gender equity.
During last week’s launch, Mayor Adams and Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Molly Wasow Park highlighted that “Project Home” will initially support 100 families in transitioning from city shelters to secure, long-term housing.
“Project Home” distinguishes itself by offering specialized housing search assistance that addresses the unique challenges faced by survivors of domestic violence.
In collaboration with New Destiny Housing, which specializes in aiding domestic violence survivors, the program seeks to streamline the housing placement process.
Funding for the initiative includes a $300,000 grant from the NYC Fund to End Youth & Family Homelessness.
Additionally, Mayor Adams announced an expansion of eligibility for supportive and affordable housing, thereby removing bureaucratic obstacles that previously restricted access for domestic violence survivors.
This change is expected to greatly broaden housing options for these individuals, facilitating quicker exits from shelters.
The program also provides comprehensive aftercare coordination, including financial coaching, access to community resources, and counseling.
This support ensures survivors can sustain stability and security as they rebuild their lives.
Mayor Adams stated, “Everyone deserves to be safe in their relationships and live a life free of domestic and gender-based violence. ‘Project Home’ provides hope and tangible support to survivors, reflecting our dedication to a safer city.”
DSS will thoroughly monitor the effectiveness of “Project Home” to evaluate its impact on shortening shelter stays and improving housing situations for survivors.
Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom said, “For families that have experienced domestic violence, shortening the steps needed to secure a safe, stable home is critical. This new pilot will provide specialized support to those families and lessen the time spent in shelter before moving to permanent housing.”
Depending on its success, the program could expand, continuing to support the recovery and empowerment of survivors.
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar supported the initiative, noting its potential to empower survivors and facilitate their swift transition out of shelters.
Rajkumar said, “This new initiative will turn one of the most vulnerable moments in the lives of domestic violence survivors to one of empowerment by giving them unprecedented support to find permanent housing, accelerating the process of moving out of the shelter system. In my legal career, I have fought for housing and employment rights for domestic violence survivors and witnessed firsthand how economic independence helped women break free from the cycle of violence and stand gloriously in their new power.”
