For More Information Contact:
Catherine Durland 845.486.2103
Urges Residents to Use Discretion As Local Advocacy Groups are the Target of False Charitable Claims
Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Robert Rolison (C/T-Poughkeepsie) is warning residents of a recent incident of an individual claiming to solicit funds to assist victims of domestic violence. Rolison and other individuals were approached recently at the Poughkeepsie Plaza in the Town of Poughkeepsie by an individual claiming to raise funds to assist victims of domestic violence. The individual further claimed to represent SafeHaven.org and the donations that she raised were dispersed to local domestic violence shelters.
Upon further inquiry, SafeHaven.org is an organization based out of Nashville, Tennessee that addresses homelessness and provides programs for those it serves. A representative from SafeHaven.org was contacted and they stated they have no representatives on their behalf operating in the State of New York.
The two local domestic violence shelters that the individual cited as recipients of these donations were reportedly located in the south and north end of Dutchess County. Directors of the House of Hope and the Grace Smith House were contacted by Rolison and both agency leaders including Minister Luader Smith of the House of Hope and Renee Fillette, Executive Director of the Grace Smith House stated that they had no knowledge of these solicitations and have not received funds from SafeHaven.org.
“I urge local residents to be aware of this deceptive solicitation. It is unfortunate that these organizations, which help victims of domestic violence, are being used to facilitate this scam. Individuals involved in this deceptive solicitation jeopardize the ability of legitimate organizations to raise money and to receive vital financial assistance.”
Rolison further advises residents if they are solicited by a person claiming to represent SafeHaven.org to contact your local police agency. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please contact either the House of Hope at (845) 765-0293 or the Grace Smith House at (845) 471-3033.
