A fight over funding funding for homeless shelters in Missouri is causing concern over the impact of possible state budget cuts to these shelters. Hope House CEO, Mary Ann Matheny, warns of the potential impact on these shelters, which are dedicated to helping homeless and their families feel safe and secure. The VICTIMS of CRIME Act, or VOCA, a FEDERAL law, provides funds for assistance to individuals who have been a victim of crime or become homeless. The proposed budget cuts would eliminate $25 million annually for $25 MILLION towards VICTIME ADVOCacy and VIOLence PREVENTION programs. However, the proposed budget would eliminate this funding and potentially leave an estimated 140,000 CRIME VICTims across the state without access to critical support and potentially 13,000 more than 13,500 more would lose access to EMERGENCY HOUSING ALONE. The cost of these cuts is estimated at $900,000. Matheneny argues that the cuts will significantly impact the lives of individuals affected by crime and law enforcement.