In 2006, while visting New York City, Genevieve Frederick and her husband saw a homeless man on the sidewalk begging and laying along his side was a pathetic dog. When she returned home she started researching the homeless with pets. She wondered why those folks who can barely feed themselves have a pet? The answer became obvious; their pets are nonjudgmental, providing comfort and an emotional bond of loyalty. In some cases, they provide the homeless with protection and keep them warm. The tragic part is that the pets of the homeless do not choose their owners. Genevieve started to talk to people about the idea of Feeding Pets of the Homeless, everyone seemed supportive and thought it was a wonderful idea.
After a year of researching, writing and editing the program was launched at the end of 2007. To Genevieves's amazement, the organization quickly evolved into the nonprofit it is today. With the cash donations that started pouring in, Feeding Pets of the Homeless started giving grants to veterinarians in 2008. Pets of the Homeless is an all volunteer organization with no paid staff.
The numbers are mind boggling. It is estimated by the National Coalition for the Homeless that 3.5 million people are homeless. Between 5% to 10% of homeless people have dogs and/or cats. In some areas of the country the rate is as high as 24%. Most people who experience homelessness are homeless for a short period of time, and usually need help finding housing or a rent subsidy. But unfortunately for those with pets it becomes more difficult. Many are forced to choose between their pet or a roof over their head. Surprisingly, most choose to stay on the streets with their pets for longer periods of time.
The mission of the “Pets of the Homeless” program is to help to reduce hunger in pets belonging to the homeless and the less fortunate and provide veterinary care for those pets in communities across the country. Pets of the Homeless believes in the healing power of companion pets and of the human/animal bond which is very important to life.
Get Involved:
Donate to Pets of the Homeless.
Other ways you can help Pets of the Homeless.
Find a Pets of the Homeless collection site in your area.
Pet food and supplies can be donated at collection sites. Take your donations to a site near you and look for the collection receptacle. Good items include: Collars, Leashes, Blankets, Treats, Flea/tick treatments, Pet food (Can or dry-even food your pet can’t eat or won’t eat anymore. Opened, tape-closed bags will be accepted.) To really help, we suggest that you bag (Ziplock freezer bags) the dry pet food, and label it. When a homeless person has all their worldly processions in a back pack, imagine them carrying an additional 15-25 lb. bag of pet food. Individual daily serving bags are much better.
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Source: http://www.petsofthehomeless.org/
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