The Pike County Domestic Violence Shelter is temporarily closed due to funding problems.

Directors say donations and grants they usually receive did not come through this year, so they were forced to layoff employees and close the housing unit until they can get more funds.

Directors say victims still need them and we want to stress that the crisis line is still open and they are still helping victims the best they can.

They are looking for more funds to re-open the shelter as soon as possible.

The beds are empty at the Pike County Domestic Violence Shelter.

The more than 25 victims had to go to another location.

Board members say they do not have enough money to run the housing unit right now.

Donna Casey says it typically takes $14,000 per month to operate, but this month, she says private donations and grant funds are down.

“People don't have the money to give us like they did in past years. Some grants we had in the past, they weren't giving as much money,” Donna Casey said.

Casey says they could not pay the shelter's four employees.

“Payroll is one of our major, it's our biggest expense, and we just can't meet it right now,” Casey said.

She says they were forced to temporarily layoff the employees, and without an employee there around the clock, she says the shelter cannot house victims.

“You always hate not being able to provide full services to victims because we've seen so many people in here. You know, we realize the help that they need. They're in a crisis when they come to us and we hate not being able to house them,” Casey said.

Other services are still running. The crisis line is open 24-7 and they are getting victims to other shelters in other counties.

Casey is looking for more funds.

“Any donation is welcome, no matter how big or small, it all goes to a great cause,” Casey said.

They hope to re-open at the end of the month.

Casey says they should find out on Monday if they get a new state grant.

They are also expecting to receive money from the fiscal court later this month.

If you’d like to help please visit www.pikevillesafeplace.org