Crisis center short on supplies

(DURANT, Okla.) Businesses aren’t the only ones being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic; non-profits are also feeling the hurt. Lead Advocate and Financial Officer Eileen Meadows told VNN the Crisis Control Center in Durant is low on essentials like laundry soap, dishwasher soap, dish soap and, of course, toilet paper. “We ask that only essential items be donated,” Meadows said. “We are not accepting clothing at this time.” Donations can be dropped off at their public office, located at 115 N. 12th, Suite C in Durant, as long as they coordinate the drop off with any advocate at their hotline (580-924-3030). The National Domestic Violence Hotline says while avoiding public spaces and working remotely can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19, for many survivors, staying home may not be the safest option. Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, their website states, “Abuse is about power and control. When survivors are forced to stay in the home or in close proximity to their abuser more frequently, an abuser can use any tool to exert control over their victim, including a national health concern such as COVID-19. In a time where companies may be encouraging that their employees work remotely, and the CDC is encouraging “social distancing,” an abuser may take advantage of an already stressful situation to gain more control.” You can find information on how people abuse others during a pandemic like COVID-19 and how to stay safe here: https://www.thehotline.org/2020/03/13/staying-safe-during-covid-19/ Meadows said they have not seen an increase in the need for shelter, but due to social distancing, they have had to decrease the number of clients they can have in the shelter. Because of this, the center has had to refer clients to other agencies within Oklahoma as out-of-state shelters are not taking out-of-state clients. “We assist approximately over 400 victims per year,” Meadows said. “Although our public office is closed, we are still open to assist victims.” The Crisis Control Center, Inc. (CCC) offers victims services in the following areas: Shelter/Food clothing Crisis Intervention Hospital Advocacy Rape Response Advocacy Consults Referrals More information can be found at http://www.crisiscenterdurant.org/ Additional resources include the 24/7 national hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TTY, or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.