DVHF Demonstration Evaluation

This longitudinal, quasi-experimental study evaluated the impact of the Domestic Violence Housing First (DVHF) model on the safety, housing stability, and well-being of domestic violence survivors over the course of two years. DVHF includes providing survivors with housing-inclusive advocacy and/or flexible funding. Four hundred six homeless or unstably housed DV survivors were interviewed shortly after contacting services for help. They were then interviewed every six months over two years. Retention was 89% at 24-months. Evidence indicates that the DVHF model is more effective than services as usual (SAU) in helping survivors achieve housing stability, safety, and improved mental health over twenty-four months. Survivors who received DVHF also reported higher prosocial behaviors from their children compared to parents who received SAU. Positive change in these domains happened quickly (within the first 6 months after seeking services) and persisted across 12, 18, and 24 months. The model does not appear to be more effective than SAU in increasing financial stability or reducing substance misuse. It also showed no impact on children’s school attendance, school performance, nor on their behavioral problems. The DVHF model worked similarly across people from various race and ethnicity groups, as well as both urban and rural geographic service areas. For participants who had received DVHF, the extent to which they reported agencies engaging in trauma-informed practices was positively related to their housing stability, safety, and mental health over 24-months follow-up.