MT. CLEMENS, Mich. (WXYZ) — The government shutdown is threatening domestic violence shelters like Turning Point in Mt. Clemens.
CEO Sharman Davenport says it relies on reimbursable grants, and without that money coming in there's concern about how the organization can function.
"I would hate to be in a position to lay off staff or turn away survivors," Davenport said. "It's unbelievable to me that we'd even find ourselves in such a horrible position."
Davenport says less than two-thirds of Turning Point's budget is covered by those reimbursable grants. The money goes to operate the shelter, which is currently at capacity, along with support services. It also helps pay rent and staff.
Dawn Sobczak is a sexual assault survivor. She says she's alive today because of the therapy she got at Turning Point.
"I came here as a victim of sexual assault," Sobczak said. "They made me realize I was a survivor. It saved my life. My hope is the government can get together and come to a compromise."
Davenport says Turning Point's board will be meeting soon to see what steps it may need to take next.
For more information about Turning Point and its services, visit www.turningpointmacomb.org.
