“We had to close the shelter for two months. We still did our services, but to house one woman costs $30 a day, and we didn’t have the funding to support the employees,” said Beaty. “But we are back up and running at full capacity.”

Pyatt is seeking new volunteer board members to help govern the organization. The board currently has about six members, and they can have up to 12.

“They would meet once a month and help govern finances and help fund raise about three times a year,” said Pyatt. “I would like to see more volunteers at the resale shops, contributions to the overall work of the shelter and I would like to see an increase in the board of directors up to full capacity.”

New Hope holds the No Excuse for Abuse 5K every summer, as well as the Holiday Expo shopping day at the Community building. With a budget of $245,000 to run the shelter, those fundraisers are a drop in the bucket to match their grants. Last year, the organization didn’t make a profit from the thrift stores. They also don’t have any corporate sponsorship as many other non-profits do.

Nelson said the organization is willing to go out and educate the public on what they do and the need in the community.