Funding for domestic violence support down: Local agency relying more on individual donors

Fortunately, the group has seen an uptick in individual support from individuals and local groups to bridge the gap, Lukin said.

This weekend, CORA will be the beneficiary of a fundraiser put on by a community of friends called CRUSH (Caring, Responsibility, Understanding, Sharing and Hope).

The CRUSH community was founded in 2003 by Burlingame resident John Green to raise money for worthy causes. The group’s 12th annual event, CRUSH 2015 — A Benefit Against Domestic Violence, is Saturday at Domenico Winery in San Carlos. Lukin will attend and give a presentation to about 150 attendees on what CORA does.

Part of her presentation will spell out how high the demand is for services from domestic violence survivors, who is impacted the most and how CORA helps.

Last year, CORA’s hotline was called 7,730 times and law enforcement referred another 3,848 to the agency.

It provided 190 survivors with emergency shelter, including their children. But it received 1,973 requests for shelter that the agency couldn’t meet, Lukin said.

It also provided legal services to 488 individuals.

The agency’s stats show that 44 percent of the women served had limited English proficiency and another 16 percent have a disability. The average age of clients served was 34 last year and their average income was $20,682.

The economy may be improving, Lukin said, but not for everyone.

“We are seeing a lot more post-traumatic stress disorder, mental health issues and substance abuse,” Lukin said.

But the agency has also noticed that more affluent women are also seeking the agency’s help.

The batterer is usually in charge of the finances and the victim can become destitute over night, Lukin said.

Nearly 40 percent of CORA clients who engage in services have “absolutely zero income without their abuser,” Lukin said.

The agency is also getting more individuals walking right up to the door seeking help, she said.

Money is so tight at CORA, it cannot adequately fund the cost to cover it. CORA’s annual budget is about $4 million.

Last year, however, it lost $350,000 in government funding from the previous year including:

• $8,000 city and county Community Development Block Grant funding;

• $192,000 federal grant collaborative with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office; and

• $150,000 state grant for shelter and mental health services.

Despite the loss in government funding, Lukin is grateful that individuals and groups have stepped up to help bridge the gap.

“The goodwill is so heartwarming,” Lukin said.

To learn more about CORA go to: www.corasupport.org. To learn more about CRUSH go to: www.crushcommunity.org.

bill@smdailyjournal.com

(650) 344-5200 ext. 102