Survivor's shelter in need of supplies

COLUMBUS - Because of an increase in the number of families staying at its shelter, the Center for Survivors is in need of donations.

A special “Shower our Shelter - Help Stock our Tank” needs drive is being held through Aug. 6 at the center located at 3103 13th St. A stock tank will be placed outside the facility for people to put donations in. Theresa Kratochvil, adult advocate with the center, said they hope to fill the tank which is 10 feet long and 3 feet deep.

So far this year, 40 families, including 44 children, have been sheltered through the center. At that rate the numbers will easily top those of last year. In 2006, there were 62 families with 77 children housed at the shelter.

Kratochvil said there have only been six nights this year that they haven't had to shelter someone.

Because of that, their supplies have dwindled. The shelter is a 12-bed facility.

“We provide shelter for women, or men, with children, who are escaping domestic violence situations,” Kratochvil said.

The shelter is free, and food and household necessities are provided. The amount of time families are able to use the shelter is determined on a case-by-case basis. Donations of goods are used not only at the shelter, the supplies are also given to families who leave after their stay.

When asked why there has been such an increase in the number of people at the shelter, Kratochvil said it could be because of a couple of reasons.

“I think part of it is we have people staying a long time because of the housing needs in Columbus,” she said. Also, there might be more awareness about the center and more people are seeking assistance there than before.

Traci Nelsen, legal advocate of the center, said Columbus' situation isn't unique from others as shelters across the state are full.

Offering shelter for those in domestic violence situations is just one service of the center. Some of the other services it offers includes programs for adolescents, a toll-free hotline, women's and children's support groups, transportation and grocery shopping for shelter families, and pet therapy and pet foster homes.

Kratochvil said the community has always been supportive of the center in the past and that she hopes that people will continue to be giving for this first-time donation drive. People may give their donations during operating hours, which are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, or they can drop items off at the tank.

The shelter needs are sponge mops, garbage bags, laundry detergent, household cleaners, bleach, paper towels, dish soap, bath towels, twin size sheets, bed pillows, dish towels, dish cloths, dinnerware, plastic cups, pots and pans, new hair brushes, diapers, toilet paper, full size shampoo and conditioner, baby wipes, Ziploc bags, foil and plastic wrap, and metal cake/baking pans.