The Women’s Center in Carbondale has been providing shelter for domestic abuse survivors for forty-five years.
The next few months could be their last.
The states fiscal year is coming to a close for the second straight year without a budget.
That may close the Women’s Center’s operations.
“We are staying open on a shoestring budget trying to raise awareness and trying to raise money and make sure that our senators and representatives know how dire our situation is.”
Executive Director Cathy McClanahan says they have enough saving to last until June 30th, the end of the fiscal year, but after that…
“As of July 1 we’ll be looking at drastic cuts or actually closing our doors.”
If they have to close their doors, all 39 part and full time employees will be out of a job and the people they serve are coming to them at a time when they need the most help.
“Without the support and the safety net here they could be dead or on the streets basically.”
Right now the center is hoping that senate bill 1695 passes, which will fund domestic violence programs across the state.
The women’s center also has 3 satellite offices that will also close.
