Donate
BRH could not operate without community support! Whether you donate your time, expertise, money, or products, your donation is appreciated. As of our latest data, our administrative costs are 14%, meaning that the other 86% goes toward directly serving survivors. Your money, should you choose to give, is going directly to people in need.
An Unprecedented
Time of need
Bolton Refuge House, Inc, like so many domestic violence and sexual assault victim service providers, relies heavily on Federal and State Administrations to secure funding. In the 2023-24 grant cycle, BRH will receive the hardest reduction in both federal and state dollars that has ever been seen, paralyzing the agency's work. BRH is experiencing a substantial reduction of $128,200 from the State of WI in the 24-hour crisis support core services and emergency sheltering, leaving BRH with a deficit in this service area of $130,760. We are seeking funds throughout the community that will assist in covering operational expenses for the much-needed services located in the City of Eau Claire.
Deficit FAQ
Why is BRH losing so much funding?
These cuts are not punitive in any way, and emergency shelters like ours are facing similar challenges across the state. Shelter funding was significantly reduced as the Department of Children and Family (DCF) and Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) have become even more competitive than before. Shelter grants through DCF were capped at $40,000, which one reason why we are facing such a deficit. The loss of funding from DCF alone was $73,000 for sheltering and 24 hour support services. At the end of September 2023, we will be losing an additional $54,000 in VOCA funds, due to the federal administration of years past.
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Victim services are not mandated services, meaning that counties are not required to provide victims and children support services, including 24-hour support and emergency sheltering. This is why many victim service provider agencies in Wisconsin have been forced to shut their shelter doors and provide less-than-ideal alternatives, such as hotel vouchers.
What services are we at risk of losing?
This deficit comes from funds that cover the operational expenses of our emergency sheltering services and 24-hour crisis support core services. Bolton Refuge House, Inc is already the only emergency shelter in Eau Claire, WI with support staff available 24/7.
Why is emergency sheltering better than a hotel voucher?
There are several reasons that we believe that an emergency sheltering program like ours is more beneficial to survivors than a hotel voucher. The most important reason is that survivors have told us that they feel safer, both physically and mentally, in our shelter with access to support staff. Additionally, our sheltering services provide greater access to advocacy and support services, provide greater protection for survivors' information, and give survivors more time and flexibility to secure resources and housing for themselves and their children.
How can I help?
Donate! We understand that this is not possible for everyone. But if this is an option for you, please give. Every little bit helps, and we are just a grateful for $1 as we are for $100. Many workplaces have programs like matched donations, so you may be able to make your donation go even farther!
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Spread the word. What's better than one person donating? It's two, three, or more! Even if you can't give, sharing about our need may help the message reach those who can give. Follow us on Facebook to keep in touch and to get the word about about our services and needs.
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Tell your representatives. Because so much of our funding comes from grants, we need our legislation to know the impact of these cuts, and that our community sees the value of the services we provide. Plus, even if you can't donate, it's practically free to share a post, send an email, write a letter, or even call your representative. Find your representatives here and make your voice heard.
Monetary Donations
Monetary donations can be dropped off at the BRH office and checks can be mailed to:
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Bolton Refuge House, Inc
PO Box 482
Eau Claire, WI 54702
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You can make a secure online donation at any time through PayPal!
Safety Planning Supplies
Not all survivors choose to or are able to leave their homes. In order to do everything we can to keep those individuals and families safe, we provide safety planning and suggest products that can add to their security, as well as items that can record/document instances of abuse or stalking. However, due to financial abuse or other financial barriers, many survivors cannot afford these items.
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Help us keep survivors safe by donating items (or similar ones) from this list below. We are not affiliated with any of these brands and get no monetary incentive from their purchase. If you shop using Amazon Smile with us as your preferred charity (click here to learn more), your purchase goes even farther in helping us serve our community!
Door Jams & Locks
Items in this section can be used to secure rooms or homes from entry. The first three items can be deployed quickly in case of emergency to separate the abuser from the victim(s).
Cameras & Sensors
Items in this section are to alert the victim of intruder or other threats, as well as document instances of abuse or stalking.
Miscellaneous
Current Needs
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Sidewalk Salt
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Postage stamps (Forever stamps)
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Copier paper
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Painter's tape
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Ziplock bags
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AAA batteries
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Combination locker locks
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Can openers
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Scotch tape (rolls for refillable dispensers)
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Key tags, labels, and rings (both for organizing many keys and for carrying many keys)
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Gift cards (allow us to meet unexpected needs as they come up, such as accommodating dietary restrictions, replacing items if they break, etc.)
Because of the wide range of people served at BRH and their individual needs, please call before dropping off donations - 715.834.0628.
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Please note that due to lack of storage space, BRH is only able to accept specific new clothing items (bras, sports bras, socks, underwear, sweatpants, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and pajamas of all sizes from newborn to adult) Please consider contacting King's Closet in Eau Claire to donate your gently used clothing items.
Other ways to give
Become a sponsor
We are currently looking for sponsors to help us with awareness and fundraising events in October (Domestic Violence Awareness Month). Click here for more information!
Volunteer
Consider donating your time, talent, or expertise by volunteering! Check out our volunteer page for more information.