SAFE Overview
- Financial concerns are a barrier to safety for victims and survivors of domestic violence.
- Flexible funding is effective because it is:
- Survivor Driven - Each survivor has unique needs. How survivors use the funding should not be compartmentalized or merit-based.
- Removing Obstacles - Low barrier requirements mean that funding can be provided quickly to address immediate crises.
SAFE Can Be Transformative for Survivors
A recent study on the use of flexible funding recorded the following outcomes:
- 68% of flexible funding recipients remained stably housed (i.e. remained in their homes or moved from one home to another).
- 67% reported an increase in well-being and capacity to move from just surviving to thriving.
- 26% moved from homelessness to temporarily or permanently housed.
What Are the Allowable Uses of This Funding?
The following examples are ways this funding can be used. Distribution of these funds is not limited to these suggestions. You can speak further with your provider on the specific allowable costs for each category.
- Children’s needs
- Communication
- Education, training, employment
- Food & Household Supplies
- Personal supplies
- Housing readiness
- Legal assistance
- Mortgage assistance
- Rental Assistance
- Hotel/Motel
- Utility Assistance
- Transportation assistance
- Physical/Mental health needs
- Pet supplies & support
- Other
How Do Survivors Access the Funding?
The awards are distributed by the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence to programs that directly serve survivors and victims of domestic violence.
65 non-residential domestic violence service providers recognized by the New York State Office for Children and Family Services (OCFS) accepted the awards and will distribute this funding to victims and survivors of domestic violence. Please see the full list of programs below.
Where to get help with SAFE
65 non-residential domestic violence service providers recognized by the New York State Office for Children and Family Services (OCFS) were awarded grants to distribute this funding to victims and survivors of domestic violence. This means New Yorkers across the state can access a program that will distribute SAFE funding.