As the financial crisis continues to affect southwestern Connecticut, a women's shelter in Norwalk says it's preparing for cutbacks.

Linda Gabriele, the executive director of Malta House on Prowitt Street, says the shelter is concerned about receiving fewer of the private donations it has come to depend on.

"In terms of what the economy's doing right now ? it's debatable in terms of what next year will bring," Gabriele says.

Malta House is a homeless shelter for mothers that operates with the help of private donations and grants. The mothers say the shelter gives them a needed hand to help advance their goals and provide for their children.