CA Budget Gravely Affects Shelters
Chula Vista, CA - Governor Schwarzenegger’s signed budget cuts local domestic violence programs, potentially leaving many victims and their children with nowhere to turn.
Loss of funds that support South Bay Community Services’ (SBCS) domestic violence programs will affect the number of victims and children served and the level of service provided. SBCS provides the only 24 hour emergency domestic response team and domestic violence emergency shelter in South San Diego County.
“We are currently assessing the impact,” said SBCS Executive Director Kathryn Lembo. “But surely, we will see a great loss in our ability to protect victims of crime.”
Last year, SBCS responded to more than 1,400 domestic violence calls in Chula Vista alone. Of these calls, at least 1,700 children were present. In 2008, SBCS emergency shelters housed 118 families including 265 children.
SBCS’ domestic violence programs have helped thousands of families and children in South San Diego County since 1995. Services include emergency shelter, counseling, advocacy, child care, housing assistance, parenting skills education, emergency food and legal assistance to help victims re-establish their lives and succeed.
South Bay Community Services is a non-profit organization providing services, support and opportunities for over 50,000 individuals and families annually in the South San Diego County.
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