Transitional Housing Program

The purpose of the Transitional Housing Program is to provide women with the time they need to build their independent living skills, and to afford them the opportunity to seek employment and secure permanent housing. Economic independence is crucial for battered women, and without long-term housing options, victims of violence may be forced to return to dangerous situations. Three months in the emergency shelter is not always enough to establish a new life for a victim, away from her abuser. Most of the women are unable to be self-sufficient until they have opportunities to strengthen their skills for employment and locate affordable housing. That is why SOS continues to provide affordable housing in our transitional homes.

SOS was the first domestic violence shelter program in New Jersey to provide transitional housing to its residents. Five facilities comprise Shelter Our Sisters' Transitional Housing Program. They are located in residential neighborhoods throughout Bergen County and have a total occupancy of 40 women and children. Learn more about our newly purchased home and our Opening A New Door campaign.

The Transitional Housing Program offers low-cost housing to SOS clients for a maximum of 2 years. Criteria for entry into Transitional Housing is based on the client's emotional and financial needs, her ability to relate to others in a shared setting, and her readiness to work in a cooperative manner with staff on time-related goals (i.e. emotional, educational training/employment and housing).

The full-time Transitional Housing Coordinator offers clients crisis intervention counseling, assistance with court proceedings, advocacy with community resources and all case management supports. Clients in transitional housing must meet with their counselor on a weekly basis to work toward established goals. The part-time Life Skills Trainer/Case Manager works with the women one-on-one, focusing on independent living skills such as budgeting, meal planning, housekeeping and personal organization. Additional personal goals may include: enrollment into school, job training, day care for children, participation in individual and group therapy, procuring a job, receiving medical attention, saving money, and completion of a court case.

Once client's crises are stabilized and they have increased their ability to become more self-sufficient, they will move into permanent housing. SOS staff assists the resident in her search for permanent housing when she feels she has the financial capability.