SAN BERNARDINO - The future of a nonprofit homeless
shelter for women and children is in doubt after its
computers and records were stolen in a weekend burglary,
the director said.
"It's devastating," said Kim Carter of the Time for
Change Foundation. "I don't even know if I can come back
from this."
Someone broke out the front window of the
foundation's administrative office in the 2100 block of
North Arrowhead Avenue late Saturday night or early
Sunday. Carter arrived Easter morning to find everything
gone -- a $15,000 loss.
That includes desktop and laptop computers, hard
drives, a television, camera, software, CDs and an
office chair. The foundation was formed in 2002,
offering transitional housing to women in need and their
children.
A staff of four employees, including Carter, operate
two shelters at confidential locations in north San
Bernardino. Women who are recovering addicts and
escaping abusive relationships may live rent-free for as
long as two years, until they have secured a permanent
home, Carter said.
Donations have been down this year and the number of
women seeking help has risen by a third, Carter added.
Thieves took client records and the company's tax and
financial statements.
"They took my history," Carter said.
Police said Monday that there were no encouraging
leads. Although Carter said she believes burglars
targeted her business for her records, detectives said
there is nothing to indicate that.
"It's consistent with a random commercial burglary,"
said Lt. Dan Keil.
No security cameras were in place and Keil said there
is no suspect description.
Anyone with information about the break-in is asked
to call detectives at 909-384-5615.
For information on donating, visit
www.timeforchange.us or call Carter at 909-886-2994.
