Credit: Getty Images.

When trapped in an abusive relationship, people often have very few options when it comes to housing. We can either stay with our abusers, which can be incredibly dangerous, stay with family or friends if we are lucky enough to have loved ones who can support us, or enter the overburdened shelter system, which is not a permanent solution.

Supportive housing offers us a much better alternative — a safe and affordable place to live that offers specialized on-site services that can help us heal from the trauma of abuse. For me, and for many others domestic violence survivors like me, it has been a lifesaver.

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

For the first time in almost 40 years, the New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP), on which thousands of New Yorkers across the state rely for support, is getting a funding increase of $17 million. Although it won’t be the full $32 million that advocates........

© Times Union