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Local domestic‑violence provider describes shelter, hotline and funding risks
Summary
Stephanie Miller of CARFA told commissioners the nonprofit runs two confidential shelters (seven bedrooms), a 24/7 hotline, legal advocacy and provided services to roughly 125 shelter clients last year; she warned that potential federal VOCA funding cuts of 40–44% could threaten operations and asked for community support and sponsorships for an Oct. 1 fundraising breakfast.
Stephanie Miller, executive director of CARFA (a Linn‑Benton domestic‑violence and sexual‑assault service provider), presented an overview of the organization’s services and budget during the Board of Commissioners meeting Sept. 17.
Miller said CARFA operates two confidential shelters (seven bedrooms total), offers a 24/7 crisis hotline with advocates who can meet clients in safe locations, provides legal advocacy at the Linn County courthouse, and supports clients with financial assistance for housing barriers such as security deposits and short motel stays. She reported that last fiscal year the organization delivered more than 7,800 services and sheltered 125 individuals, about 40% of whom were children.
Miller described CARFA’s budget as approximately $1,850,000 with about 62% of expenses going to salaries and benefits; she corrected some percentages during the presentation and characterized roughly 69% of revenue as government funding. She warned that VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) funding reductions under discussion at the federal level — estimates she cited ranged from 40% to 44% in proposed cuts — would be significant for her agency and for other providers. Miller asked commissioners and community members to consider sponsorships for CARFA’s annual Safe Family breakfast on Oct. 1 and noted a website refresh and RSVPs available via a QR code on her handout.
Commissioners thanked CARFA for its work, asked about hiring needs (CARFA said it has openings for advocates) and noted county interest in promoting the nonprofit’s fundraising and outreach.
