Tightening state budgets might force Safe Passage to cut services despite a rising number of people seeking help.

Safe Passage provides monthly about 100 battered women and their children in DeKalb County with a 24-hour hotline, temporary shelter, counseling, legal referrals, and education sessions.

Pam Wiseman, executive director of Safe Passage, is urging people to write or call their legislators before the reductions go into effect on July 1.

Wiseman said Safe Passage is partly funded by the Department of Public Aid, the agency where funds are being cut.

The estimated $60,000 reduction will result in about 3,000 hours of reduced service and 150 people unable to be served, Wiseman said.

Wiseman said they have already provided services for 901 people this year—250 more than last year.

The cutbacks will result in “serious consequences” for battered women and their children, Wiseman said.

Those no longer served by Safe Passage will be forced to use other state services, such as Public Aid, Wiseman said.

Other area agencies that would be affected by a funding cut are Dekalb County Four C, 145 Fisk Ave. and the Voluntary Action Center, 1606 Bethany Road in Sycamore.

Wiseman said the combined 61,265 service hours lost by these agencies will result in 916 people who will not be served.