PRINCE EDWARD – Madeline's House, a haven for battered women and their families, needs a new home.

On Tuesday, they got a step closer with a firm $3,000 contribution from the County and a matching gift from a county resident.

Madeline's House, which provides services to those who experience domestic abuse, including a safe house for victims of domestic and sexual violence, is operated by Southside Center for Violence Prevention Inc. But Madeline's House needs to move from its current location and has been seeking one-time gifts of $3,000 each from area localities that it serves.

So far, according to an email from Executive Director for Madeline's House-Piedmont Crisis Center Emily R. Marshall to the County, two of the 12 counties are now choosing to send victims to localities outside of their service area. Six of the remaining 10 counties have approved the contribution, three have stated they will participate if all other localities participate, and one county's board was expected to be addressed this month.

Meanwhile, the clock is ticking. They're aiming for a January 15 closing on a future home.

Prince Edward had approved the $3,000 contribution in September pending the participation of the other 11 counties.

The site, it was noted in a September proposal seeking county support, is owned by Nottoway County. Nottoway has been in negotiations with and has offered property including the safe house location to the Department of State for a large training center. Nottoway has provided the shelter location rent-free for 13 years.

“It is fully anticipated that this sale will take place in the very near future, and that Madeline's House will be served notice to move,” the proposal stated.

Efforts have been underway to purchase an existing building to accommodate up to 16 individuals in crisis and has options for future expansion. The cost of the property was cited at $160,000; the down payment was listed at $36,000 with the 12 localities asked to chip in $3,000 each.

Wilkie Chaffin, addressing the board in the public participation portion of the meeting, noted that the cost to the county of the $3,000 fee is “only about 15 cents per person,” and that it seems “a really good way to spend County money.”

Chaffin, recognizing that it was on the agenda, asked that the board approve the $3,000 payment, adding that he can't think of anything more important. He also said that he and his wife were willing to make a matching donation if the County would approve the $3,000 that night.

Chaffin's proposal was warmly received by the board. Supervisors had been scheduled to discuss Madeline's House request later in the meeting, but the board didn't wait to take action.

“…I agree with Wilkie,” Hampden District Supervisor Charles McKay commented. “I would love to see us support Madeline's House regardless of what other counties do.”

Other board members agreed, prior to a unanimous vote. Farmville District (801) Supervisor Pattie Cooper-Jones assessed that it's “well worth the $3,000 and I think it's mighty impressive that you and Miss Dora will also contribute that amount-that you will match that amount.”

Chairman William Buckie Fore added that it is “quite an offer.”

“That was a generous move, buddy,” Leigh District Supervisor Don Gantt said.

“…I feel the same way,” Farmville District (701) Supervisor Jim Wilck commented. “It's like getting a matching grant.”

The board, in separate motions, agreed to contribute the $3,000 and approved a budget amendment to move the funds from the general fund balance to the Southside Center for Violence Prevention (which operates Madeline's House.)

Following the board's action, Chaffin noted that he “never had any contact with anybody that actually needed it, but it just seems really important to me.”

“Thank you very much,” offered Fore.