MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Plough Foundation is offering $750,000 for testing rape kits in Memphis, but there is a nearly $4 million catch.
That’s how much the city must raise before getting the cash.
“Whatever assistance we can get is greatly appreciated and needed,” Councilwoman Wanda Halbert said.
Friday, Memphis was celebrating the donation from the Plough Foundation, even if it may take a while to get the money.
The city needs $6.5 million to test 12,000 rape kits that sat around for decades.
The city has already raised $2 million, and the Plough Foundation is offering this new challenge.
Councilwoman Halbert admits the completing the challenge may be tough.
“To have a requirement to meet a $4 million match for $750,000 that would appear to be a great challenge for the city of Memphis,” she said.
It’s welcome news to women like Meaghan Ybos.
She was attacked by a serial rapist, and her kit was one of thousands that sat on police shelves.
Ybos said she is glad there are strings attached to the cash because it puts pressure on police and the city.
“Because this is a law enforcement task. Law enforcement is one of the core functions of government. So of course Memphis is on the hook for paying for it’s law enforcement,” Ybos said.
While the Plough Foundation did not want to go on camera, that is the same reason it gave about the stipulations.
