The link between housing insecurity and domestic violence is undeniable. A lack of safe, affordable housing, and the financial resources to maintain that housing, are among the most common barriers survivors of domestic violence face as they navigate towards safety. According to San Francisco’s 2019 Homeless Point in Time Count, 74 percent of transgender and 44 percent of cisgender female respondents reported a previous experience of domestic violence. In the same survey, 10 percent of single respondents and 22 percent of individuals in families cited domestic violence as a primary cause of their homelessness.
Many factors complicate this urgent need for safe housing. Survivors are limited in their housing options to begin with because of their unique safety and privacy needs. Financial abuse and its consequences may also play a role, meaning survivors may not have access to economic resources or have been prevented from going to school or work by their abusive partner. Discrimination in maintaining housing is also common based on survivors’ histories of experiencing abuse. Record unemployment and increasing rates of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic have only exacerbated these and other challenges.
Our partnership with Mary Elizabeth Inn, a non-profit organization, recognizes the power of providing affordable and safe long term housing to formerly homeless survivors of domestic violence. Residents can connect with La Casa case managers for advocacy, peer counseling, and other services -- anything they might want as they build towards independence. To learn more about this work we sat down with Beatriz, Community Programs Manager at La Casa.
“Domestic violence and homelessness go hand in hand - in an abusive relationship, survivors may have to make the choice between maintaining their health and safety or having a roof over their head and maintaining financial security. These housing sites are important because they give survivors the opportunity to create safe and healthy lives for themselves.”
Tell us a little about yourself. What brought you to the anti-domestic violence movement & to La Casa?
As a survivor of domestic violence, I wanted to educate and support survivors, victims and our community with finding a voice and understanding the cycles of domestic violence in hope to make a change.
What is Mary Elizabeth Inn, and how does La Casa support it?
Mary Elizabeth Inn operates two women-only subsidized housing sites in San Francisco. Many of our residents have experienced homelessness and are survivors of trauma, domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance abuse. Domestic violence and homelessness go hand in hand - in an abusive relationship, survivors may have to make the choice between maintaining their health and safety or having a roof over their head and maintaining financial security. These housing sites are important because they give survivors the opportunity to create safe and healthy lives for themselves.
The housing sites are single room occupancy (SRO), a form housing that is typically aimed at residents with low or minimal incomes to rent small, furnished single rooms with a bed. At these sites, La Casa provides onsite support services to build life skills. Our case managers offer advocacy, counseling, and support groups to provide a platform to have positive, violence-free living. We also have various types of educational groups and social gatherings focused on economic empowerment and health education to build community among the residents.
What has the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic been on Mary Elizabeth Inn residents?
Residents have shared in the feelings of fear, stress and uncertainty. Some of the biggest barriers have been access to basic needs like food, medication, and transportation. Many of our residents don’t have access to electronics, so staying in touch with loved ones and applying to other services or jobs has also been tough. Communal spaces in the housing sites have also temporarily been closed for safety reasons, and many of our residents have shared that they miss having community interaction and feel more isolated than ever.
“Looking to the future, I feel I better understand just how important strong connections are to the work we do. The way we advocate, accompany, and show support to clients helps foster strong, trustful relationships.”
Our case managers have continued to provide onsite services, advocacy, and support in this time. Something we did at the start of the pandemic was to facilitate a health assessment to determine who was at higher risk of infection. We used the results of this assessment to create safety plans around making sure they could continue to access their medical, social, and other needs. For example, we could discuss with someone who has to pick up medication from the pharmacy what it would look like to have their case manager or other healthy friends in the community do this for them. We could explore if prescription delivery options are available, and how they’ll stay adherent to their medications. We’ve also continued to educate residents about how to stay safe and healthy during this pandemic.
How have the residents adapted to all of these changes?
Most of our residents have adapted to the changes in a positive, healthy way. Residents practice social distancing and work with their case managers to create plans to live their best lives. We’ve been packing food boxes full of healthy food and snacks on a weekly basis to give to the residents, as many expressed concern at the start of the pandemic because several agencies that offer free meals were closed. We’re helping residents apply for jobs and other services and are encouraging them to check in with us as much as they need.
Looking to the future, I feel I better understand just how important strong connections are to the work we do. The way we advocate, accompany, and show support to clients helps foster strong, trustful relationships.
How do you think people can support survivors and people in unhealthy relationships they may know in their lives, especially during this difficult time?
It can be extremely difficult to know what our loved ones truly are experiencing at home, especially with the Shelter in Place order isolating us even further. Safety planning is essential to support someone experiencing domestic violence. Knowing where safe places are, who you can contact, having code words to share with loved ones when you need to communicate with them are important. Being there for survivors and reminding them they are not alone is the most important thing you can do.
If you or someone you love needs support, know you're never alone. Call La Casa's 24/7 crisis and support line for support: 1-877-503-1850. If you can’t talk, message our text line: 415-200-3575.