VAWA Emergency Transfer

Reporting Requirements Guidance

Dear CoC Program Recipients and Subrecipients,

We are sending this message to ensure awareness of HUD’s requirements to track Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) emergency transfer activity.

Reporting Requirements – Form HUD-5384

All CoC-funded PSH, RRH, TH, and Joint TH/RRH projects must track and be prepared to submit Emergency Transfer data to HUD on an annual basis. The form linked above captures:

• The number of emergency transfer requests received
• The outcomes of those requests (approved, denied, pending, incomplete)
• The reasons for denials, if applicable
• Timeframes for request resolution

HUD may request this data at any time for use to monitor compliance with VAWA requirements and to better understand how emergency transfer protections are being implemented across programs.

Background on Emergency Transfers

Under VAWA, survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking have the right to request an emergency transfer when they reasonably believe they are threatened with imminent harm or have experienced sexual assault on the premises within the prior 90 days. CoC-funded housing projects must have an Emergency Transfer Plan in place and must respond to such requests in a timely and survivor-centered manner.

Two other key forms support this process:

• Sample Provider Emergency Transfer Plan (Based on Form HUD-5381 – Model Emergency Transfer Plan): Outlines the policies and procedures your project must follow when responding to emergency transfer requests. Each project must adopt and implement a plan consistent with this model.
• Form HUD-5383 (Emergency Transfer Request): May be used by participants to formally request a transfer. Projects must also accept oral or other written requests, even if this specific form is not used.

Key Expectations

• Maintain records of all emergency transfer requests and outcomes throughout the year
• Ensure staff are trained on VAWA protections and your Emergency Transfer Plan (see Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Requirements for CoC Projects –Slides: VAWA Requirements – 2024 – PDF; Recording)
• Submit Form HUD-5384 in accordance with any reporting timeline and instructions you may receive from HUD.

If you have questions about VAWA requirements or need assistance related to Emergency Transfer requests or reporting, please reach out.

Thank you for your continued commitment to ensuring safe and equitable access to housing for survivors.

Sincerely,

CT BOS Team