Funding for Women's Care Cottage still coming up short...

Funding for Women's Care Cottage still coming up short
By Troy Anderson, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/11/2009 07:56:47 PM PST
Updated: 12/11/2009 07:57:54 PM PST

Local businesses have stepped up to try to help rescue the Women's Care Cottage of North Hollywood, but shelter officials said Friday they are still well short of the funds they need to avoid closing the 25-year-old nonprofit.

"We still need that miracle," said Lissa Mozur Zanville, a member of the organization's board of directors. "The funds coming in are helping to keep the families in their housing. That is our absolute first priority. We are looking for corporations, foundations and individuals who are touched by the clients to come forward to help us keep them housed."

PricewaterhouseCoopers sponsored a party Friday night in downtown Los Angeles for the cottage and the women and children it serves. The event was part of $1.5 million in overall holiday giving by the company, PricewaterhouseCoopers Assurance Partner Michael Brandmeyer said.

The women and children were given gift baskets, toys and other items.

"We appreciate the people who have been calling and e-mailing us," Mozur Zanville said.

Due to a substantial drop in donations, the organization that serves as a lifeline for 4,000 homeless women and children plans to close Tuesday unless it can raise $300,000 to $500,000.

The cottage provides a 90-day shelter with 15 beds and 13 transitional apartments, individualized case management, job training, trauma intervention and other services to help people get off the streets permanently.

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Homeless Services Authority is working with the cottage to find alternative homes for the families.

As part of the effort to help the families, Total Women Gym & Day Spa is encouraging people to donate a toy worth $15 or more to ensure the children have a good Christmas. In return, donors will receive a free 30-day workout pass. The toys can include music, games, CDs, sports equipment, art kits, books or gift cards. The donations can be made at the gym, 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills.

"We are committed to help our communities, especially this holiday season when financial times are tough for many families," gym chief executive officer Karen Wischmann said. "We wish to provide as many toys as possible to many children who would otherwise end up empty handed."

For more information or to make a donation, log onto www.womenscarecottage.org.