BEDFORD - Bedford County's domestic violence shelter hopes it is awarded a grant necessary to keep afloat in tough financial times.
Last week, county commissioners approved an Emergency Shelter Grant Program application from Your Safe Haven to the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
The $103,088 grant, if approved, would go toward operating costs at the shelter, Your Safe Haven Executive Director Jeannee Mallow said. Expenses include heat, water, sewer, garbage, telephone and maintenance, which cost about $50,000 a year.
"We are really concerned with the funding cuts that have taken place, not only for our county here, but for centers across the commonwealth," Mallow said. "Without this, we don't know how our operating costs at the shelter would go on."
If the shelter is awarded the money, it must be matched dollar for dollar through in-kind contributions and monetary donations, she said.
The shelter, which normally sees about 200 cases each fiscal year, has had 121 in the past six months and is well on its way to setting a record.
Part of that increase could be due to the domestic homicide that took place at the Bedford McDonald's in November.
"We have been nonstop busy," Mallow said. "Victims are seeing a lot of similarities in their relationships. The fear level has just gone through the roof."
Your Safe Haven needs more donations to assist the growing number of victims at its shelter.
An Irish dinner buffet, featuring Irish and Top 40 hits, prizes for the best Irish-themed outfits and a silent auction, will be held at 6 p.m. March 14 at the Bedford Elks Country Club. Tickets are $20 a person or two for $35. For tickets, call 623-7664 or 800-555-5671.
Mirror Staff Writer Wendy McCardle is at 946-7520.
