Most importantly the thrift store provides sheltered victims and their children with clothing and other household items they may need - free of charge.

In addition, providing 24-hour emergency shelter and other services to the entire violent family is extremely costly. Unfortunately grants do not cover all the necessary expenses. For example, in fiscal year 07/08 the Domestic Abuse Council, Inc. spent over $81,000 on utilities, over $24,000 on facility/professional insurance and over $27,000 on maintenance for our facilities! That is $132,000 of critical expenses and it does not include vital expenditures such as salaries of advocacy staff, direct client assistance, office supplies, and administrative costs.