Transitional Housing Program

Program Overview

Transitional Housing Application (PDF)

New Hope for Women's transitional housing program is a two year process designed to provide a safe place for survivors of domestic violence and their children to live while they work, with the help of New Hope for Women advocates and other community services, to gain independent living skills. Applicants to this program should be:

• Homeless or at risk of becoming homeless as a result of domestic violence
• Beyond the initial crisis phase of your abusive relationship, and not in immediate danger
• Eligible for low income housing assistance
• Able to pass a criminal background check, meeting the standards set by the housing authority
• Abstaining from alcohol and illegal drugs
• Mentally prepared, determined, and motivated to become self-sufficient

The following guidelines will give you a better idea of what to expect if your application is accepted and you decide to participate in New Hope for Women's transitional housing program.

• Transitional housing residents are expected to maintain close contact with New Hope for Women advocates, and to use New Hope's services regularly. These services include support groups, legal advocacy, and individual advocacy. New Hope for Women advocates work with residents to identify and achieve goals for future independence.
• New Hope for Women does not own the housing, and residents will be responsible to a landlord for any damage. Any problems with appliances or structural issues or concerns should be directed to the landlord or property manager.
• In each of the housing units, the yard is shared with another family. Residents are expected to work together to keep the yard clean and safe.
• Residents are expected to keep their living space clean, safe, and in good condition.
• Safety is always a top priority. Residents are expected to develop safety plans with their families, and to protect any children in the transitional housing by keeping the residence in a safe condition.
• Residents who smoke should do so outside.
• The location of the transitional housing is kept as confidential as possible. Residents are expected to protect themselves, their families, their neighbors, and future transitional housing residents by using discretion when disclosing the address.
• New Hope for Women recommends that each resident set up a post office box through the address confidentiality program.
• No transitional housing applicant will be placed in the county where her abuser resides.
• The abusers from whom residents are fleeing are not allowed on the property, and should not be informed of the location of the transitional housing. Abusers who come onto the property will be considered trespassers and will be subject to arrest. Residents whose abusers discover their location may be asked to leave the housing for their safety.
• Residents who plan to leave the housing for more than two consecutive nights should notify New Hope for Women in advance.
• No overnight guests are allowed without prior permission from New Hope for Women.
• Verbal, physical, and emotional abuse are behaviors that New Hope for Women is working to eradicate. Residents are expected to refrain from these behaviors while they are participating in the transitional housing program.
• No weapons or illegal drugs are allowed in the housing at any time.
• Failure to abide by the rules of the program or to comply with the terms of the lease may result in eviction.
• If at any time you are unhappy with the service you receive from New Hope for Women, you may direct complaints to the Executive Director, New Hope for Women, P.O. Box A, Rockland, ME 04841.

Your computer use can be monitored by your abuser. Most libraries and some schools have computers for public use.
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Our Locations

• Rockland

  5 Beech Street
  P.O. Box A
  Rockland, ME 04841
  Ph: (207) 594-2128
  Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm

• Belfast

  111 Church Street
  Belfast, ME 04915
  Ph: (207) 338-6569
  Hours: Thurs 10am - 4pm
  and by appointment

• Damariscotta

  17 Water Street
  Damariscotta, ME 04543
  Ph: (207) 563-2404
  Hours: Thurs 10am - 2pm
  and by appointment