State funding cut from Moss House budget

State budget cuts mean Moss House, a local shelter for victims of domestic violence that serves women and children in six counties -- is searching for a way to make up the $20,000 deficit it faces. Martha Sander, director of Moss House, said that more than $14,000 of that money goes for things that are necessary for the operation of the facility. "It doesn't go for things that we could go without. It's not a case of cutting some little extra out of the budget. There aren't any," Sander said. The shelter serves around 17 or 18 families all the time, and has housed as many as 27 women and their children at once. The numbers are up from two years ago, when the shelter averaged about 10 to 12 families at once. "Our numbers have gone up as the economy goes down," Sander said, noting that US Justice Department statistics show that the vast majority of domestic violence situations that end in homicide involve an unemployed man. Ironically, efforts to educate the public about the choices and services available to women who find themselves victims of domestic violence have resulted in a decline in the number of victims who murder their abusers. Victims are now more aware of other choices -- and in Vernon, Cedar, Dade, Barton, Bates and St. Clair counties, the services often come through Moss House, which is the only facility of its type in all six counties. The need, Sanger said, isn't getting any smaller, but the state funds are. So the organization and volunteers sought ways to earn the money needed to cover the loss of state monies. One of the fund-raisers they found has, so far, been very successful, but isn't being used to full advantage, because there are simply not enough volunteers. Here's the deal. A group from Moss House leaves at about 6 a.m. for noon home Chiefs games, to set up and operate concessions during the game. The stands sell things like hot dogs, polish sausages, nachos and beer. Sander said 11 percent of gross receipts go into the Moss Houses coffers. Several volunteers are needed for each game, and, frankly, there weren't enough last time. The group might have made much more with more volunteers participating. There are Moss House folks there to provide support and take care of the paperwork. There area few Sunday Chiefs games left, and a couple of Saturday events as well. Of course, donations are always welcome. To find out how you can help, call (417) 667-7171.