January 2, 2008, COOKEVILLE – A portion of a $63,849 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant will allow Genesis House to provide supportive services for Upper Cumberland domestic violence victims, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon announced.
“HUD’s Continuum of Care Assistance programs provide funding for transitional housing, permanent housing and a variety of supportive services for homeless persons, helping them on their way to becoming more self-sufficient,” Gordon said.
Genesis House will use the funds to continue its Step Down From Shelter program, which transitions domestic violence victims from shelter to living independently, according to Executive Director Janell Clark. Victims are required to maintain employment and work toward maintaining a stable home. The program provides GED and parenting classes, assistance in obtaining employment and transitional housing. Genesis House has 30 apartments – 22 two- and three-bedroom units and eight one-bedroom units.
“It’s the most effective thing we’ve ever done to prevent victims from going back to their abusers,” Clark said. “Ninety percent of them have not returned to their abusers. We work with them up to a year after leaving the shelter. If they still need us, we work with them.”
Genesis House helps at least eight women and children a year, Clark said. In the nine years, Genesis House has received a HUD Supportive Housing Programs grant, it has helped more than 200 women and children.
Genesis House serves Clay, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith and White counties.