Trending
ESCANABA -- As Tri-County Safe Harbor prepares for major funding cuts, longtime supporters are stepping up to help sustain the organization's work.
Tri-County Safe Harbor, 905 1st Ave S, Escanaba, is losing nearly $42,000 in state and federal funding in the next fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, according to the agency's executive director, Liz Reed.
The agency operates around the clock to provide emergency shelter, advocacy, crisis intervention, education and prevention services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in Delta, Menominee and Schoolcraft counties.
Combined with approximately $70,000 in grant revenue lost during the current fiscal year, the organization is facing more than $100,000 in funding reductions across the two fiscal years.
The cuts have prompted the organization to take proactive steps to reduce expenses while seeking new sources of financial support.
Most recently, the agency received a $25,000 donation from Greg and Linda Yagodzinski, who have supported Tri-County Safe Harbor's mission for several years.
"Greg and Linda's gift is an important reminder that our community is a partner with Tri-County in providing services to those escaping violence," Reed said. "A financial contribution, a foundation grant, a community fundraiser or a business partnership can all make a difference. We are deeply grateful for all the support Tri-County receives so, together, we can continue this essential life-saving work."
Tri-County Safe Harbor is actively pursuing additional financial support to help address the funding reductions. According to Executive Director Liz Reed, the organization is applying to private foundations and exploring other funding opportunities. It also welcomes community groups, businesses, civic organizations, churches and other organizations interested in holding a fundraiser to benefit Tri-County Safe Harbor.
"We have not waited to know the amount of the funding reduction from the state for the next fiscal year before taking action," Reed said. "We have been looking carefully at every expense and making difficult decisions to reduce costs while protecting the services survivors depend on. We are still determining whether the reductions we have already made will be enough to close the gap or whether additional operational changes will be necessary."
At the same time, demand for emergency shelter remains significant.
According to Reed, the agency has provided 1,618 housing nights to survivors and their children during the current fiscal year through Sept. 21, already exceeding the 1,576 housing nights provided during all of the previous fiscal year.
Reed noted operating an emergency shelter carries substantial costs that cannot simply be eliminated. Over the past 12 months, Tri-County Safe Harbor spent $10,499.82 on electricity, garbage, natural gas, water and wastewater services at its shelter.
Staff have implemented energy-saving measures where possible, including closing leased office space -- such as their administrative office located within the Ludington Centre at 1100 Ludington St -- identifying more than $6,000 in annual savings through comparable cybersecurity insurance coverage, revising the organization's mileage reimbursement policy from 70 cents to 60 cents per mile and more.
To contact the agency's 24-hour crisis line, call 906-789-1166 or call their toll-free number, 1-800-682-1649.
------
Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021, ext. 148, or svogelmann@dailypress.net.