TERRE HAUTE, Ind – The Council on Domestic Abuse has announced that their residential service will close down on September 14th. The reason is a lack of funding and that slow state grant reimbursement is also partly to blame.
CODA wants to raise $150,000 to restore residential services to survivors of domestic abuse.
Below is the press release from CODA explaining the situation.
The Council on Domestic Abuse will temporarily suspend their residential services for survivors of domestic violence, effective September 14.
The administrative staff cites long delays in contract reimbursements from state-awarded grants as well as increasing operating costs unable to be covered by grants as the main reasons for the closure.
“We are deeply saddened to make this decision,” said Sarah Campbell, CODA’s executive director. “However, we needed to be proactive in addressing CODA’s current financial concerns before we had to suspend all services to our community.”
In order to streamline services and reduce costs even further, CODA will move its administrative offices into its current residential facility. Advocates will continue to be available to assist survivors who need to find safe housing.
The agency will also continue to offer all non-residential services Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm, including counseling, medical assistance, transportation, referrals for job training and education, and legal services.
“We are proud of our member program for taking these measures to ensure they can continue to serve survivors in their community, especially during a time when many shelters around the state are experiencing financial strain,” said Laura Berry, executive director of the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
CODA hopes to raise $150,000 to restore its full residential services. The agency is launching a social media campaign to explain why CODA services are necessary, using the hashtag #CommunityForCODA.
“If just 1,000 people commit to raising $150, we would be able to reach our goal,” said Campbell. “We are counting on our community to help provide a safe environment, available around the clock, for survivors of domestic violence and assault.”
As one of the few advocacy and shelter programs on the western side of our state, CODA’s services are vital to the Terre Haute community AND surrounding areas. In addition to helping Hoosiers, they provide crucial services survivors from Illinois.
You can help re-open the doors by giving today by clicking here.