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ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The continuing impasse on the state budget is having real consequences around the Lehigh Valley.

An Allentown-based non-profit that helps people with disabilities has had to lay off one-third of its staff.

“It’s kind of lonely in here,” 69 News Reporter Bo Koltnow said to Seth Hoderewski.

“It is. Not having the staff in here everyday is tough,” he said.

Bare cubicles, an empty kitchen, greet those who still remain Inside the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living. In stark contrast to the Allentown based non-profits, July celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Hoderewski is the Agency Executive Director.

“This office dark, is it harder then most?” Koltnow asked while standing in front of what was an occupied space.

“This one is harder than most. Deb has been here for 20 years,” Hoderewski said.

Debbie Rozear, lost her sight 25 years ago, we met her in July when she’d been the Supervisor of core and housing services, until she became 1 of 15, a 3rd of its staff, the agency cut, including all of its Bucks County location. This due to the state budget impasse.

“It’s a range of emotions. For sure. You know, there’s being the upset part, there’s the emotional part, the empathetic part, where you know you feel for the staff that are not here, and also the people that are in real need,” Hoderewski said.

LVCIL relies heavily on state funding and provides services and support to those with all types of disabilities..

“Calls keep coming in, and I can’t help people like my staff can. They have amazing expertise that I just don’t quite have,” said Program Manager Lauire Mankos.

But Mankos is trying. In fact, her job was lost too. However she’s a bright spot, working for free, in what’s become desperate times.

I”t’s tough, beyond tough, and the legislators just need to pass the budget. That’s what we’re asking them to do, simple funding that you know, that we deserve to have to help with our community,” she said.

Several legislators told us a budget vote may not happen until the end of the month..

“We’re gonna keep fighting, keeping our attitude up and and doing what we can.” Hoderewski said.