Emergency Hotel Assistance Program for Survivors of Domestic Violence: Perspectives from Service Providers and Survivors

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is considered the leading cause of homelessness among individuals leaving abusive relationships. COVID-19 outbreak significantly hindered domestic violence shelters' capacity to offer secure housing to those escaping violence. As the pandemic intensified, there was a substantial surge in demand for emergency housing programs. To address the imperative need for safety and housing for survivors, the Emergency Hotel Assistance Program (EHAP) was initiated in 2021 in a mid-western state. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the emergency hotel assistance program in enhancing safety for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Findings will inform the development of recommended policies, procedures, and resources to help DV service agencies to better address the overall needs of DV survivors and their children.

Methods: Using qualitative research method, our study was conducted in two phases, in collaboration with the EHAP coordinator and advocates at DV agencies. In Phase I, five focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted via zoom with service providers (N=24) from domestic violence service organizations where survivors benefited from the EHAP. In Phase II, semi- structured in-depth interviews were conducted with (N=6) survivors via Zoom to explore their experiences accessing the program services. These discussions aimed to collect comprehensive insights into the program's implementation, the challenges encountered, and the necessary support required to assist survivors during the pandemic, while also examining regional differences (rural and urban).

Results: Preliminary data analysis revealed five overarching themes: 1) EHAP is accessible and provides an immediate temporary housing solution for survivors and their children, 2) Survivors and service providers shared that the EHAP was instrumental for survivors with children that have special needs, survivors with remote jobs, survivors with traumatic brain injuries and additional special circumstances. 3) Safety for survivors is dependent on geographic location (rural verses urban), available support, and relationship with hotel staff. Service providers shared that EHAP works better in urban areas that have a variety of hotels to choose from compared to rural areas 4) COVID-19 provided pathways to explore alternatives for accommodating DV survivors 5) There were challenges in accommodating clients with substance abuse, maintaining the anonymity of clients, providing offsite services and safeguarding hotel amenities 6) Since the EHAP offered several benefits, service providers shared the need for increased funding for the EHAP and enhanced collaboration with local hotels.

Overall, these findings highlight the critical role of the EHAP in offering temporary safety and housing services to survivors. It is a vital emergency housing alternative because of the ability to accommodate survivors with unique circumstances such as age restrictions for male children, survivors with remote jobs, children with special needs, pregnant survivors, pets, and survivors with heightened safety risks.

Conclusions: Our findings highlighted the significant role of the EHAP in accommodating survivors and their children during the COVID-19 pandemic, who would have otherwise been turned down by shelters due to limited space and strict COVID-19 guidelines. Finally, the EHAP proved to be a useful alternative housing resource beyond the pandemic.