Pinellas County Housing Authority, FL

💜 HUD's Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Overview

At the Pinellas County Housing Authority (PCHA), we are committed to supporting the protections outlined in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)—a federal law that helps survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking access and maintain safe, stable housing.

🔐 What Is VAWA?

VAWA, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), ensures survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking are not denied housing assistance or evicted because of the VAWA related abuse they’ve experienced. These protections apply to applicants and residents of federally funded housing programs and are not limited by gender.

📄Your covered housing provider must give a Form HUD-5380, Notice of Occupancy Rights Under the Violence Against Women Act and a HUD-5382, Certification of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking when:

You are admitted as a tenant.
You receive an eviction or termination notice.
You are denied housing as an applicant.

🛡️ Key Protections Under VAWA

Housing Security: Survivors cannot be evicted or denied housing assistance solely due to being victims of VAWA-related abuse.
Confidentiality: All survivor-related information is kept private to protect safety and dignity.
Emergency Transfers: Survivors in danger may request a transfer to another unit under PCHA’s Emergency Transfer Plan.
Continued Eligibility: Survivors remain eligible for housing assistance, even if their circumstances have been affected by VAWA-related abuse .
Access to Help: Survivors are connected to legal support, crisis services, and housing resources.

💬 To Exercise Your Rights Under VAWA:

Review the Form HUD-5380, Notice of Occupancy Rights Under the Violence Against Women Act available for download below.
Certify that you are a victim under VAWA and submit to the PCHA one of the following:

A completed Form HUD-5382, Certification of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking available for download below.
A federal, state, tribal, territorial, or local police report or court record, or an administrative record
A statement from a victim/survivor service provider, attorney, mental health professional, or medical professional, signed by both the victim and the professional attesting to the incident in question under penalty of perjury.

🏠To Exercise Your Rights Under VAWA Emergency Transfer:

Review the PCHA’s Emergency Transfer Plan available for download below.
Complete and submit to the Form HUD-5383, Emergency Transfer Request for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking available for download below.
Certify that you are a victim under VAWA and submit to the PCHA one of the following:

A completed Form HUD-5382, Certification of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking available for download below.
A federal, state, tribal, territorial, or local police report or court record, or an administrative record
A statement from a victim/survivor service provider, attorney, mental health professional, or medical professional, signed by both the victim and the professional attesting to the incident in question under penalty of perjury.

Submitting Your VAWA or VAWA Emergency Transfer Claim

Once you have the necessary documentation, submit your claim to the PCHA. Ensure you keep a copy of everything you submit for your records. You can submit your claim to your Property Manager, Housing Advisor, or PCHA’s VAWA Coordinator listed below.

📞 PCHA VAWA Coordinator

If you need help navigating your rights under VAWA or need to request protections, you can contact our dedicated VAWA Coordinator.

VAWA Coordinator

👤 Jasamine Randle

📍 Pinellas County Housing Authority (PCHA), 11479 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33778
📞 (727) 443-7684 ext. 3044

The VAWA Coordinator Can Assist With:

Explaining your housing rights under VAWA.
Helping you request an emergency transfer.
Providing HUD forms and helping complete them.
Referring you to victim advocacy or legal services.
Maintaining strict confidentiality of your information.

📄 Download VAWA HUD Forms

English Versions

🔹 Form HUD 5380 - Notice of Occupancy Rights Under the Violence Against Women Act: Housing Rights for Victims

🔹 Form HUD 5381 - Emergency Transfer Plan for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking

🔹 Form HUD 5382 - Certification of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking

🔹 Form HUD 5383 - Emergency Transfer Request for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking

Versión en Español

🔸Formulario HUD 5380 - Aviso de derechos de ocupación según la Ley de Violencia contra la Mujer: Derechos de vivienda para las víctimas

🔸Formulario HUD 5381 - Plan de traslado de emergencia para víctimas de violencia doméstica, violencia en el noviazgo, agresión sexual o acoso

🔸Formulario HUD 5382 - Certificación de violencia doméstica, violencia en el noviazgo, agresión sexual o acecho

🔸Formulario HUD 5383 - Solicitud de traslado de emergencia para víctimas de violencia doméstica, violencia en el noviazgo, agresión sexual o acoso

🆘 Help & Hotlines

🖥️ For additional information on VAWA and to find help in your area, visit https://www.hud.gov/vawa

National Domestic Violence Hotline
📞 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) | 📠 TTY: 1-800-787-3224
Call anytime if you are in danger, need support, or have questions about domestic violence.

Florida Domestic Violence Hotline
📞 1-800-500-1119 (24/7, confidential) | 🌐 https://www.fpedv.org/
Call anytime if you are in danger, need support, or have questions about domestic violence.

Suncoast Center, Inc.
📞 (727) 388-1220 | 🌐 suncoastcenter.org
Contact for counseling, trauma recovery, and support services in Pinellas County.

CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse)
📞 (727) 895-4912 | 💬 Online Chat
TTY: (727) 828-1269
Call or chat 24/7 for emergency shelter, legal advocacy, or help leaving an abusive situation.

Hope Villages of America – The Haven
📞 (727) 442-4128 | TTY: (727) 446-2148 | 🌐 hopevillagesofamerica.org
Reach out for immediate shelter, crisis support, or transitional housing services.

The Spring of Tampa Bay
📞 (813) 247-7233 | 🌐 https://thespring.org
Reach out for confidential support, to create a safety plan, or identify helpful resources.

Rape Crisis Hotline
📞 (727) 530-RAPE (7273)
Call if you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault and needs urgent support.

Florida Abuse Hotline
📞 (800) 962-2873
Report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children, elders, or vulnerable adults.

Bay Area Legal Services
📞 (800) 625-2257 | 🌐 bals.org
Contact for free legal help related to domestic violence, protective orders, or housing issues.

🏠 Our Commitment

We believe everyone deserves a safe place to call home. PCHA staff are trained and ready to help you understand your rights and navigate the process with care and confidentiality.

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