Caring woman in Chicago wants to help a homeless woman with a cat
Posted: 8/12/2010 by Genevieve Frederick
How does one help someone in the streets with an animal aside from giving her/him some money?
I met a woman in Chicago with a cat in her cage just last month. They were homeless. All I could do was hand her some money? What does one do. Can't take them home with me. We have pets of our own (cats and dogs).
If I can find her again, what do I say to her--where to go for help--where to get food for the cat--where and what?
DO YOU HAVE A PLACE HERE IN CHICAGO?
Signed: Rose
Dear Rose,
Sadly many visits to Pets of the Homeless website are from people like you who want to help the homeless who have pets. Giving them money may or may not help. If they use the money for drugs and alcohol it doesn't help.
You can help her by providing a list of organizations that can help in your community. You can search for them on the internet. Examples include: Salvation Army, local food bank or food pantries (ask for pet food), Catholic Charities and other social organizations. Veterans can call local VA offices for help. Some dog rescues, local animal control, SPCA and Humane Societies may offer pet food and also "foster" pets until a pet owner can get back on their feet.
Organizations that distribute pet food and pet supplies are listed by state on Pets of the Homeless website. Visit often as the site is updated frequently.
If your veterinarian would like to apply for a grant to help homeless with pets in your community please have him/her contact us.
Too few shelters allow pets. Pets of the Homeless recognize a dire need for homeless services to fill this gap of not allowing pets into their shelters. We award grants to homeless shelters looking for ways to allow pets shelter with their owners. Any homeless shelter wanting more information about Pets of the Homeless Crate Project may download the simple Guidelines & Procedures.
If you want to help more consider a visit to a homeless shelter in our area. Provide them with this information. You may be the person who opens the door to the homeless with pets in your community. Help us to help you.
Responses to Caring woman in Chicago wants to help a homeless woman with a cat
I have (2) 14yr old cats; adopted them as kittens. Due to the economy, I have lost my apartment on the north side of Chicago. I'm very scared...and can't hang on much longer bouncing around; my belongings are in storage. I will not leave my cats. Can anyone please help me find a temporary, safe, clean place to stay with my 2 older cats until I find work again? It's so difficult looking for a professional job while homeless. I've never been arrested; never done drugs. I'm in my late 30s and up until a year ago, my credit score was always excellent. I'm a good person with a stable professional background(and i'm perfectly sane). I grew up in a small town and am very independent; never needed help before but I don't have anywhere to go. Please help us!
Chris E. W.
FUZE
Please help my dog spooky. He was injured by a careless child of my ex roommate. His leg is broken and I could not afford the surgery 3000. I have had his leg in a splint for about six weeks but am having trouble covering cost of vet visits and ex rays 170 per visit. We are homeless and he may lose his leg without proper care please help
Lori Griffith