EMERSON DONATES TO WOMEN'S SAFE HOUSE

Cape Girardeau's Safe House for Women received a public boost Friday afternoon from House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

The Georgia Republican spoke to a gathering of about 30 Safe House supporters at the Holiday Inn prior to a fund-raiser for Rep. Jo Ann Emerson.

Gingrich routinely couples charity events with political fund-raisers in his trips around the country.

Emerson also spoke, and presented two checks totaling $1,500 to the women's shelter. The money came from the Emerson family and her late husband's leftover campaign funds.

Bill Emerson was a longtime congressman for the 8th District. He died last year of lung cancer.

Paula Huggins, executive director of the Safe House, said the money would help fund a program that provides rental assistance to victims of domestic violence.

Debra Hamilton, shelter manager, said the 16-bed shelter serves a wide region. Last year it helped domestic-violence victims in 11 counties in parts of four states, she said.

Emerson said she had a friend who was a victim of domestic violence for years. "I often felt real helpless," she said.

Emerson said the nation has 3,800 animal shelters compared to 1,500 women's shelters. "I think that is pretty sad," she said.

Emerson said thousands of women and children who are victims of domestic violence don't step forward for help because they fear for their lives.

Gingrich said alcohol and drug abuse are major factors in domestic violence. He said 2,000 children die each year from domestic violence.

Gingrich, who believes in faith-based charities, said tax cuts would allow more Americans to support local organizations such as women's shelters.

"You literally can change lives," Gingrich said.