VALDOSTA, Ga. (WCTV) - The Haven, a domestic violence shelter in Valdosta, is among various other programs affected after Governor Brian Kemp vetoed funding for next year’s budget.

Leaders with the Haven said state legislators proposed about $13 million in extra funding for domestic violence and sexual assault programs in the fiscal year budget, but Gov. Kemp trimmed more than 300 million dollars in new spending, including that 13 million for domestic violence.

The Haven largely counts on federal dollars for housing, counseling, medical resources and staff.

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Michael Smith, CEO of the Greater Valdosta United Way, works closely with many impacted organizations. Smith says if these shelters do not get the funding they need, the victims are the ones who suffer.

The Haven is now preparing to lose out on those cuts and asking the community to step in and help meet a growing need for victims in South Georgia.

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