Victims of domestic violence and their children are violated both by the crime of domestic violence and its frequent result, the loss of their homes. Domestic violence victims are a homeless population with very special needs. The Fresh Start transitional housing program was developed in response to two of those needs, the acute shortage of decent, affordable housing for low-income families and the recognition that living in an abusive relationship has serious social and emotional consequences that must by addressed as part of achieving self-sufficiency. Fresh Start was born out of an awareness that a safe house was just the first step away from a violent home. Fresh Start enables this awareness to become a bridge from the Safe House and uncertainty to a more stable and safe living environment.

Mission Statement: The mission of Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania is to increase awareness of domestic violence and its effect on the community, to empower those victimized by providing advocacy and safe and effective services, and to work for social change designed to eliminate domestic violence.