Description of the program

Domestic violence is a leading cause of housing instability and homelessness. Many survivors of domestic and sexual violence face significant barriers to accessing safe, affordable housing.  There is a strong correlation between homelessness and surviving violence.

This program funds community-based nonprofit or Tribal Nation-based domestic violence programs for pilot projects to implement an agency-wide Domestic Violence Housing First approach to assist survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence experiencing housing instability. 

 “The Domestic Violence Housing First approach focuses on getting survivors of domestic violence into stable housing as quickly as possible and then providing the necessary support as they rebuild their lives. This approach has been shown to promote long-term stability, safety and well-being for survivors and their children.” (Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence) 

The program design includes survivor-driven, trauma-informed mobile advocacy, flexible financial assistance, and community engagement. Programs are provided technical assistance as they work though implementing the agency-wide approach. 

Who is eligible to apply

Eligible applicants are community-based non-profit organizations and Tribal Nation domestic violence service providers currently providing domestic violence services to survivors. Nonprofit applicants must be registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State.

Next funding opportunity, next grant period

The next opportunity to apply for open competitive funding for this program is expected to be early in 2027. 

Past RFPs

1. 2024-2025 Domestic Violence Housing First Pilot Project – Winter 2023 RFP 

Resources

For Crime Victims
If you are looking for help or resources for you or someone you know, please see the Finding help page. 

Program Standards
All agencies funded under the Domestic Violence Housing First program must follow the Domestic Violence Housing First Pilot Program Standards.

Current grantees, current grant period

The current grant period is May 1, 2024 – December 31, 2025.

• Advocacy Center of Winona
• Asian Women United of Minnesota
• Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio
• HOPE Center, in partnership with Community Action Center
• Rivers of Hope
• Someplace Safe
• Tubman

Contact

Dani Lindner, Housing Specialist, danielle.lindner@state.mn.us