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Women's shelter records, office equipment stolen

10:00 PM PDT on Monday, April 13, 2009

By PAUL LAROCCO
The Press-Enterprise

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.

Reach Paul LaRocco at 951-368-9468 or plarocco@PE.com