Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Transitional Housing Program

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) is the designated state agency responsible for administering federal and state criminal justice funds in Illinois. It was established to support research, planning, coordination, and administration of initiatives to improve the criminal justice system statewide. One of its federally funded initiatives is the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance Formula Grant Program, which channels resources to support direct services for victims of crime. ICJIA receives VOCA allocations through the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime, which is authorized to disburse funds collected from federal criminal fines and penalties. These funds are subject to strict rules for allocation and usage, ensuring that resources target underserved and priority victim populations. The VOCA Transitional Housing Program aims to address a significant gap in victim services across Illinois—namely, the shortage of transitional housing for individuals affected by violent crime, including domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual violence, and community violence. The need for such services is informed by data from InfoNet and other statewide planning tools, which show long waiting lists and frequent denial of shelter access due to space constraints. Transitional housing is considered essential for enabling victims to regain stability and access supportive services after traumatic experiences. This program responds directly to research-supported priorities related to equity, safety, and long-term recovery for victims. Funding through this opportunity is specifically allocated to transitional housing and related personnel expenses, and may not be used for emergency shelters or housing beyond the approved performance period. Applicants must explain the housing model being used—whether scattered-site, clustered, or communal living—and outline how rental structures will function, ensuring survivors are not charged more than 30% of their income. Only personnel expenses for those providing direct services or supervision of such services are allowed. Each funded project must include a case manager, and any overlap in roles, such as landlord and service provider, must be clearly delineated in staffing plans. Staff wellness, including strategies to manage vicarious trauma, is encouraged as part of the project design. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations or public agencies with a documented history of providing services to crime victims. They must also be registered in the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal and in compliance with related pre-qualification requirements. Additional eligibility criteria include use of volunteers, compliance with civil rights and grant regulations, and the ability to support victims in applying for crime victim compensation. A 20% match is required and may be met through cash or in-kind contributions. The full application must be submitted through AmpliFund by 5:00 p.m. CST on October 31, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. A technical assistance webinar is available beginning October 8, 2025, and submission of a Notice of Intent is requested by October 15, 2025. The anticipated performance period begins March 1, 2026, and concludes February 28, 2027. During this time, programs are expected to implement transitional housing services, submit required financial and performance reports, and participate in an annual ICJIA-led convening. Evaluation will be conducted by a review panel using a 100-point scale based on completeness, program design, past performance, fiscal soundness, and inclusion of mandatory elements. Highest-scoring applicants in each Illinois region will be prioritized for funding. The anticipated award range is between $100,000 and $400,000, with a total available program funding of $2,830,905. ICJIA will notify applicants of funding decisions following budget committee review scheduled for February 2026. Final awards are subject to standard state and federal compliance requirements.

Submit application 24–72 hours early to avoid Amplifund issues. View technical assistance recording. Address all scoring elements clearly.