Crossroads Launches New Domestic Violence Transitional Housing Program

PROVIDENCE, RI - Crossroads Rhode Island, the state's leading provider of housing and services for people experiencing homelessness, has expanded its domestic violence support services by launching a new Domestic Violence Transitional Housing Program. Funding for the program was provided by State Fiscal Recovery Funds in a grant awarded by the Rhode Island Public Safety Grant Administration Office. 

Crossroads’ Domestic Violence Program has been supporting survivors for more than a decade by providing safe emergency shelter and empowering their transition to safe and self-sustainable housing and improved quality of life. Support services include survivor-oriented case management and Education and Employment Services, designed to help clients rebuild their lives and recover from both intimate partner violence and homelessness. 

The $1.2M three-year grant will make it possible for Crossroads to build on its current programming by adding a 7-unit transitional housing program with survivor-oriented support services, including clinical services by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. To maximize impact, these services will also be offered to families fleeing domestic violence staying at one of Crossroads' five temporary emergency shelters statewide.

"Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness for women, making it essential that we offer targeted support for survivors. Housing is one of the most requested needs among survivors, and our new Domestic Violence Transitional Housing Program is designed to meet this need by making it easier for us to help survivors transition into permanent housing. This program will also increase our ability to meet the ever-increasing demand for support," said Jennifer Watkins, Vice President of Emergency Shelters and Housing Problem Solving at Crossroads Rhode Island.

According to Watkins, the Domestic Violence Transitional Housing Program will also allow Crossroads to support more domestic violence survivors by freeing up available shelter beds as individuals and families move into the transitional housing units. Those staying in Crossroads’ new transitional housing will be provided with both survivor-oriented support services and help finding permanent housing.

Crossroads’ Domestic Violence Transitional Housing Program officially launched in March 2024, with the first transitional housing units leased to clients in July.

Crossroads also operates a 24-hour helpline for individuals fleeing domestic violence. Trained helpline volunteers are there to listen, offer advice on staying safe, create an escape plan, and take action. If you or anyone you know is in need of support around domestic violence, reach out to the 24-Hour Helpline: (401) 861-2760.

About Crossroads Rhode Island

Founded in 1894, Crossroads Rhode Island is the state's leading provider of housing and services to those experiencing homelessness. Our mission is to help those experiencing homelessness secure stable homes. To meet the diverse needs of our clients, we own and manage more than 375 apartments statewide and provide access to a broad range of services, including housing problem solving, emergency shelter, case management, referrals to health and mental health providers and education and employment services.