OVC FY25 Housing Assistance for Victims of Human Trafficking

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), operating under the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs (OJP), has announced the Housing Assistance for Victims of Human Trafficking grant. This federal funding opportunity aims to address the pressing need for stable housing solutions for individuals impacted by human trafficking, including both labor and sex trafficking. The program’s core objective is to support the development and expansion of housing services that assist victims in transitioning into safe and permanent housing while integrating support services to aid their long-term recovery and independence. This grant opportunity specifically funds rapid rehousing initiatives through transitional housing and short-term housing assistance. Transitional housing refers to temporary accommodations offered for a period of six to 24 months and is intended to bridge the gap to permanent housing. Short-term housing assistance includes direct financial supports such as rental payments, utilities, security deposits, and relocation expenses for the same duration. The funding is not intended for emergency shelters or for rental assistance lasting fewer than six months, and projects centered primarily on emergency or crisis housing are considered out of scope. In addition to housing, applicants must propose a comprehensive plan to offer supportive services. These may include employment counseling, occupational training, job retention assistance, and integration services such as transportation, childcare, behavioral health, and community orientation. Participation in support services must be voluntary. Importantly, the majority of awarded funds must be directed toward housing-related activities, with remaining funds supporting complementary services for victims and their eligible family members. Applicants are required to provide a 25% cost-sharing or match, either through cash or in-kind contributions. The grant’s period of performance is 36 months, with a ceiling award amount of $1,200,000 per project and a total available funding pool of $16.8 million. Approximately 17 awards are anticipated. Eligible applicants include state, local, and tribal governments, public housing authorities, educational institutions, and qualified nonprofit organizations. Applicants may submit multiple proposals for distinct projects or service areas. Applications involving partnerships should clearly delineate subrecipient roles and provide memoranda of understanding or letters of intent. The application process consists of a two-step electronic submission. Applicants must first submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov by February 24, 2026, followed by the full application via JustGrants by March 3, 2026. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers. Evaluation criteria include the quality of the problem statement, project design and implementation plan, capacity of the applicant, and budget justification. Priority consideration may be given to projects that directly support law enforcement, address violent crime, or assist U.S. citizens and children. Successful applicants will be notified through JustGrants, and the anticipated project start date is July 1, 2026. All awardees must comply with statutory requirements related to victim confidentiality and must ensure qualified, trained staff. The OVC also emphasizes survivor-informed programming and prohibits the use of grant funds to promote or support the practice of prostitution. Performance metrics will be tracked through quarterly and semi-annual reports. This program is recurring and is expected to be reissued annually.

Start registration early in SAM.gov and JustGrants; Ensure majority of funds support housing; Propose trauma-informed services with survivor input; Include partner documentation and staff qualifications; Avoid unallowable costs such as direct cash assistance.