Christos House in West Plains recently announced federal funding changes in a social media post that could affect the organization. From the Christos House Facebook page:
“2025 Notices of Funding Opportunities were removed from the Office of Violence against Women OVW website, and applicants were instructed to stop working on their applications. This could impact critical programs designed to support victims and survivors of violence. While it is unclear whether these grants will be temporarily or permanently unavailable, any delay in funding will harm survivors who rely on these vital resources and put their safety at risk.
The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) at the U.S. Department of Justice plays a crucial role in reducing violence against women and ensuring life-saving support is available. OVW provides funding and technical assistance to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking programs across the U.S.”
Christos House executive director, Kelli Neel, tells Ozark Radio News, “While we rely on grants to ensure that victims of violence receive what they need when they are rebuilding their lives, we also rely on help from the communities we serve. And this is true now more than ever.
Victims of violence often leave abusive situations with only the clothes they are wearing when they escape their abusive homes. There is so much victims of violence need when they begin to rebuild their lives. And donations and contributions help us meet those essential needs, which range from toiletries to deposits for housing and utilities.
So, even though the news about the OVW website is unsettling, we are grateful that the communities we serve help us serve the people who, fleeing abuse and sexual assault, are in dire need of Christos House’s emergency shelter and outreach advocacy services. Together, we provide victims with support for a change and, with the ongoing help from individuals in our communities, we will continue to serve and stand against domestic and sexual violence.”
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