Southern Valley Alliance Receives $500K Grant for Transitional Housing

A $500,000 grant has been awarded to Southern Valley Alliance (SVA) to provide transitional housing to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The grant comes from The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW).

With this new program, SVA will be able to provide not only safe and affordable housing, but long-term support services to those who are homeless after escaping abuse. Services can include support with counseling, childcare, school enrollment, job training, education, transportation, and more.

“Survivors will be given the space and support to reclaim their lives and build stability for themselves and their families,” says Christie Larson, SVA’s Executive Director. “Without programs like this, survivors must often choose between returning to their abuser or facing homelessness.”

SVA has partnered with the Carver County Community Development Agency (CDA) to provide scattered-site apartment units. “The mission of the Carver County CDA is to provide affordable housing opportunities and foster economic and community development in Carver County,” notes Allison Streich, Deputy Director of the Carver County CDA.  “We are excited about this partnership with Southern Valley Alliance and the opportunity it will provide for victim-survivors of abuse.” 

For over 40 years, Southern Valley Alliance has been providing services and support for victims of domestic violence in Scott and Carver counties. Beyond Transitional Housing, SVA programs include a 24/7 Crisis Line, Legal/Medical Advocacy, Safety Planning, Support Groups, and Community Education.  For more information about SVA or the Transitional Housing program, visit svamn.org or call (952) 873-4214.