Transitional Housing ProjectElder Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual

Assault or Stalking

History of Project

• No transitional housing for elder victims in the state currently.

• Community-based task forces exploring local solutions.

• DV shelters often not appropriate for elder victims

• Lack of housing/support keeps elders from leaving

Four Components to Project

• Advisory Team

• Elder Services Coordinators (ESC)

• Geriatric Training

• Transitional home

Advisory Team Membership

• Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault• Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence• Legal Services for the Elderly• Southern Maine Agency on Aging• Maine DHHS, Office of Elder Services• Seniors Plus• Volunteers of America Northern New England

Purpose of Advisory Team

• Advisor to the ongoing development of transitional housing for at risk elders. – Project Sustainability– Ambassadors to advocate for affordable housing– Sustain and expand service webs– Assure “safety-net” statewide– Problem solve ongoing systemic issues– Identify training opportunities

Elder Services Coordinators

• One part-time employee at three domestic violence agencies: Family Crisis Services, Safe Voices, and Spruce Run.

• Serving six Maine counties

• Create client-centered service webs to support elders at risk

• Provide safety planning and on-going support

• Assist in finding permanent housing

T- Housing Elder Service Webs

Geriatric Training

• Southern Maine Agency on Aging

• Eastern Maine Agency on Aging

• Seniors Plus

• Serving same areas as DV agency staff

• Provide training, consultation and ongoing support regarding aging issues to ESCs

• Began with cross training – DV/SA and Aging

Cross Training

Transitional Home “Martha’s Cottage”

• Three bedroom house

• One bedroom/bath handicapped accessible

• Clients can stay up to two years

• Independent housing

• Private location

• Provide 6 month support following their transition out of the house

Martha’s Cottage

For more information:

Visit the Elder Abuse Institute of Maine website www.eaime.org

Or contact Linda Weare, Project Manager207-541-6620lsw@portlandmaine.gov