Programs in Albany like the Lily Pad and Liberty House may soon see a decrease in funding
ALBANY, GA -- Without state funding, The Liberty House, a battered shelter for women, may have to cut services.
That's according to director Silke Deeley. Deeley says they helped over 800 families in 2010. State funding amounts to $125,000 for The Liberty House.
Governor Nathan Deal proposed cutting state funding and instead, replace it with federal welfare money, called TANF dollars, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families--a total of $4.4 million.
However, Deeley says TANF money can only be used to aid women with children. 30-40% of assaulted women are single. The Liberty House also provided services to 20 men in the last year.
The Lily Pad is also a local agency that helps sexually assaulted children and women. They receive about $30,000 from the state and $150,000 in competitive federal grants. But they also heavily rely on local donations, which they say has gone up since the recent death of a battered 19-month-old girl.
Governor Deal has promised shelters they will get the money they need to stay open, however many are skeptical.
You can donate money or other needed items to The Liberty House by going to their website, LibertyHouseofAlbany.com or sending a check to P.O. Box 2046 Albany, Ga 31702.
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