VAWA Protections: Emergency Transfer for Safety
VAWA also protects survivors of violence who have Housing Choice Vouchers. Tenants might need to leave their current housing because they’re in immediate danger from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, in which case it would be covered by VAWA’s emergency transfer protections.
When someone moves from one housing authority to another with a Housing Choice Voucher, it’s called "porting." Usually, both housing authorities need to give permission. But, because of VAWA, survivors who need to escape dangerous situations can “port” (or move) with their voucher, and VAWA can often create an exception even if the rules would not otherwise allow a tenant to port.
For the move to be approved, the voucher holder still needs to meet all other program requirements.
To read about what a survivor of violence needs to show the housing authorities to receive protection under VAWA, click here.
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