Sandy Longest Speaks for The Haven

Sandy Longest, Community Relations and Development contact for The Haven was guest speaker tonight.  The Haven provides services and shelter to victims of domestic and sexual assault in Essex, Richmond, Westmoreland, Northumberland and Lancaster Counties, covering 1,003 square miles.  There is no distinction made between gender, class, racial issues for assistance.  There are 9 part-time and 5 full-time staff.  There is room for 32 women and children.  There is a 24-hr hotline.  The Haven Thrift Store in Warsaw is a wonderful resource for income.  In the past 24 months, donations are down and requests for shelter are for a longer length of time.  Last year 13 people were denied services.  This year's budget is set at $723,000 with 48% from grants and 52% from community funding.  In addition to financial support, every day items are needed such as toilet paper, paper towels and cleaning supplies.  They have bake sales and yard sales and special events each year.