The Wholeness Center, a domestic violence shelter and resource hub serving greater Moody County, is working to manage a surge in need as state and federal funding cuts threaten its ability to serve vulnerable residents.
The local organization isn’t alone. Victims service programs state and nationwide are seeing a significant decline in funding, essentially halving resources for critical services like housing, transportation, and basic necessities.
The Wholeness Center, the only shelter in Moody County, has felt the impact profoundly.
“Our numbers are already on pace to surpass last year,” said Shelli Marshall, a board member for the Wholeness Center. In 2023, the shelter served 936 adults and 636 children, with 85% identifying as Native American.
The Center has only four bedrooms, forcing staff to rely on hotel stays for overflow clients, among the expenses they can no longer sustain.

The shelter often supports clients beyond providing a safe space.
“A lot of times, people need bus tickets, diapers, formula, or help with rent,” said Marshall. Staff members have even driven clients to neighboring states when bus travel wasn’t feasible.
Marshall believes the rise in clients may partly be due to people finding the strength to leave abusive situations, a shift possibly delayed by the isolation and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The need for services however, is far outpacing available resources.
“We’re working on partnerships, including with the tribe, and looking at other funding sources,” said Marshall.
“But the truth is, we need community support. Without this shelter, many would have no option but to stay with their abusers.”
The Wholeness Center is calling for volunteers, donations of gently used clothing and furniture, and funds to support its services.
For assistance or to contribute, contact the Wholeness Center at nasc@iw.net.