Program Description: It provides flexible financial assistance to help female survivors of domestic violence in San Diego and North County rebuild their lives, regain independence, and avoid further victimization. This grant filled a critical gap not covered by restrictive government contracts, enabling personalized support for women fleeing domestic violence.

Results/Challenges: The grant from RSFWF was used to provide crucial assistance to these survivors such as security deposits, rental assistance, emergency hotel stays, unit repairs, utilities payments, transportation support, school supplies, work-related clothes, items for infants, installation of security cameras at one domestic violence housing site, as well training for two staff members.

In the last year, the grant allowed Home Start to deliver vital support:

• 41 women received “Light Touch” assistance (one-time service)
• 17 women received “Medium Touch” assistance (one-time service plus in-person advocacy such as legal services, support groups or counseling)
• 15 women received “High Touch” assistance (Light and Medium touch services as well as substantial survivor centered in-person advocacy and longer-term financial assistance to obtain housing and achieve stability).

Future Sustainability: With an unprecedented climate of government funding uncertainty and concerns about future governmental reimbursement for services, Home Start’s Board has established a dedicated fund with Jewish Community Foundation San Diego to address urgent needs. The organization is also pursuing private funding, adapting budgets for flexibility, and prioritizing support for housing stabilization and essential needs to help survivors heal and rebuild their lives.