Transitional Housing and Outreach Initiative

What it is.

The Elder Transitional Housing and Outreach Initiative is a program of the Elder Abuse Institute of Maine in partnership with area domestic violence agencies, sexual assault agencies, area agencies on aging who have been funded by the US Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women to provide transitional housing and supportive services to older Maine residents who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking and who are in need of transitional housing to escape this violence.

The goal of this initiative is to provide transitional housing and supportive services to assist the person in moving to safe, permanent housing.  The program received three year funding beginning October 2009.

Services we offer.

The Elder Transitional Housing and Outreach Initiative offers two distinct services:

1.Transitional housing in a 3 bedroom residence for elder victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking who are fleeing from their current residence and homeless because of this violence.

The residence, Martha’s Cottage offers no cost independent living in a shared home in the Portland area.   The home is not staffed.  The home is in a private location.  A resident can live at this home for up to two years.  One bedroom in the home is accessible to someone in a wheelchair or with mobility challenges.

2. Community-based supportive transitional housing and outreach services for elder victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking who are seeking safety because of this violence.

These services are provided through three local domestic violence agencies in three communities: Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford, Hancock Counties (Safe Voices); Cumberland and Sagadahoc Counties (Family Crisis Services); Penobscot County (Spruce Run).

Examples of services and resources available:  housing assistance, case management, counseling, job placement assistance, linkage and referral to health-related services, first and last month’s rent and security deposit, resources to access transportation, legal and court advocacy, support and safety planning, and emergency shelter.

Who we serve.

The Elder Transitional Housing and Outreach Initiative offers services to residents of Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford, Hancock, Penobscot, Sagadahoc and Cumberland Counties aged 60 and above who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking who are seeking assistance and safe housing because of this violence.

How to access services.

To access the Elder Service Coordination Network for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking:

Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford, Hancock Counties:  Sharon Lewis 795-6736 X11

24 Hour Hotline: 1-800-559-2927

Cumberland, Sagadahoc Counties: Barbara Foley 767-4952

24 Hour Hotline: 1-888-834-4357

Penobscot County: Catherine Kurr  945-5102 X32

24 Hour Hotline: 1-800-863-9909

For more information about the project or questions regarding Martha’s Cottage, contact Linda Weare at 207-541-6620.

Partner Agencies:

Eastern Area Agency on Aging »
Family Crisis Services »
Legal Services for the Elderly »
Maine Association of Agencies on Aging »
Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence »
Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault »
Maine Department of Health & Human Services »
Safe Voices »
Seniors Plus »
Southern Maine Agency on Aging »
Spruce Run »
Volunteers of America Northern New England»