BOULDER - Ten months ago, the City Council approved funding for an "anti-bias hotline." But there was a catch: Proponents first had to raise $8,700.

Today, in the wake of two assaults in two weeks believed motivated by anti-gay bias, only a third of that is in the bank.

Officials at the Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center had hoped to have sufficient funds by the end of 2006. But raising money - and awareness - is tough, admitted Betty Ball of the justice center. So far, $2,900 has been collected,

Ball said the recent attacks illustrate why the hotline is needed, even though callers wouldn't be required to identify themselves or those they accuse of bias. Rather, the hotline is envisioned as a safe place for victims to share experiences.

"If we had the hotline, we would be able to prevent some of these incidents because we would learn about provocative remarks being made before they escalate to violence," Ball said.