Domestic Violence

Safe Step: Transitional Housing for Homeless Survivors of Domestic Violence

Way Finders’ Safe Step program goal is to help those experiencing domestic violence increase housing stability and financial self-sufficiency. This program requires a referral from another state agency. You cannot enroll by contacting Way Finders first.

Way Finders provides transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence through our Safe Step program. Families are referred by a variety of partner agencies, including domestic violence shelters, the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families and the Department of Transitional Assistance.

In transitional housing, homeless survivors and their children receive supportive services while living in safe units within the community for 18 to 24 months in Way Finders leased apartments. Safe Step has 18 furnished apartments in confidential, scattered site locations.

Supports through Safe Step
Families who participate in the Safe Step program will be assigned a case manager who will help them develop a service plan that’s based on the family’s goals and needs. Included in Safe Step service are:

• Ongoing safety planning
• Educational workshops
• Financial Education
• Community connection with other family support agencies
• Program Eligibility

Eligibility
In order to be eligible for the Safe Step program, you must be referred by an agency that can verify your eligibility. The referral must include a signed release of information from the referring agency, verification of your homelessness, and a summary of your family’s concerns and needs. The program logs referrals in the order which they are received.

Referral Sources Include:
• The Department of Transitional Assistance Domestic Violence Specialist
• Department of Children and Families
• Emergency Shelters for Families
• Domestic Violence Shelters

If you are currently seeking a domestic violence service provider in Western Massachusetts, please reach out to:
Alianza (formerly Womanshelter/Companeras)
YWCA of Western Massachusetts
Safe Passage