MACON, Ga. — State funding for victim services is on the line as non-profits wait for Gov. Brian Kemp to sign off on the new state budget. Katie is a survivor of sexual assault and was approached by Crisis Line and Safe House of Central Georgia two years ago.
"If losing the therapy and their work that they do I think it would cause a lot of issues for people like me that went through something nobody understands," Katie said.
She said she isn't happy about the group potentially losing access to its services, ones she still uses today. Dee Simms is the Executive Director.
She said they're facing major federal funding cuts from the Victim of Crime Act's (VOCA) Crime Victim Fund, but the state used American Rescue Plan Act funds to help. Now, those are drying up.
"We haven't really felt those cuts those ARPA cuts are coming to an end and VOCA they have not replenish those VOCA funds," Simms said.
The Georgia House of Representatives and Senate agreed to spend some of the state's $36 billion budget on victim service providers.
Sims said the proposed budget has $12.7 million allocated for programs like Crisis Line and Safe House as well as almost 80 other non-profits.
"Divided evenly, we're still going to be about $600,000 short of what we need to be where we are today," Simms said.
Simms said right now a majority of the state funding goes toward paying her staff. Another big part of the budget? Having 24-hour facilities that meet the state standards.
"Just to run the shelter is over $900,000, to run a sexual assault center is close to $300,000," Simms said.
Without the budget approval, many of their victim services like advocacy, counseling, legal assistance and access to medical assistance for the forensic exam would no longer be available.
"How do I make that hard decision? How do I decide what service it is that our community doesn't need," Simms said.
Katie said the services and staff at Crisis Line and Safe House saved her.
"I don't know where I'd be without the therapy honestly. There were times I was really down really down and felt like I didn't have anything or anyone to go to," Katie said.
The governor has until May 7 to sign the budget and he's indicated he'll sign it.
You can help keep these services going by participating in their silent auction and fashion show fundraiser on Thursday.
You can donate to Crisis Line and Safe House when you add your bid to their silent auction. You can also check out the latest styles from boutiques and other surrounding stores in Macon.