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GuideStar - Connecting people with nonprofit information Feeding Pets of the Homeless 2255 Waterford Place Carson City, NV 89703 (775) 841-7463
Never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way. ~~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Feeding Pets of the Homeless News Issue # 2 – August 20, 2007
Please forward this newsletter to anyone you know who loves pets or has an interest in the plight of the homeless. In This Issue
1. Intro The summer is rapidly coming to an end. School starting and with it the opportunity for students to start a new year with optimism to learn new skills and make new friends, but for some it will be an escape from the boredom of a long summer with nothing to do or a reprieve from a dysfunctional family environment. My “Homeless Report” this issue will touch on the subject of youth homelessness. I read and confirmed that a homeless man died after a scuffle on a San Jose, California busy street. The man was a well-known figure in downtown San Jose because of his friendly nature and his constant dog companion, named Boo Boo. It seems another homeless man began throwing things at the dog and Boo Boo’s guardian jumped in to defend the animal. Witnesses said the man then turned on the dog’s owner, kicking and hitting him until he collapsed, probably due to a heart attack. The dog was taken to an animal shelter. This news item was reported due to the death but just how many other violent incidents against homeless and their pets are not reported because they do not want the police involved? Be sure to listen to Contact Talk Radio - "Nature's Translator" with Tracy Ann on August 30 between 6-7 p.m. PST to hear my interview. www.contacttalkradio.com all interviews are archived so they can be heard at a later time and date. We will be heading for Reno, Nevada in October to exhibit at the “Wild West Veterinary Conference” so that we can spread the word about the program. We are always on the lookout for relevant photos of homeless with pets and we are looking for photos of “Feeding Pets of the Homeless” in action. The “Feeding Pets of the Homeless” program keeps expanding, since the last issue, two more businesses have joined and a food pantry in Boise, Idaho is looking for a pet related business to join and partner with them to help stock pet food for the homeless and disadvantaged. We have added some new supporters and sponsors and continue to receive donations to help keep the organization up and running and evidentially to apply for non-profit status so donations can be tax deductible. Thank you. I sincerely appreciate your support and I will keep you updated on the program. I thank you on behalf of the pets of the homeless and less fortunate. Genevieve Frederick – Founder and Publisher =========================================================== 2. Homeless Report: The Homeless Services Planning and Coordinating Committee of Washington, DC defines “homeless” as persons who reside in some form of emergency or transitional shelters, domestic violence shelters, runaway youth shelters, and places not meant for human habitation including streets, parks, alleys, abandoned buildings, and stairways. The report doesn’t mention people who live in campgrounds, on a friend’s couch, or in a motel or are in transition nearly all of the time. This group of individuals is not counted in any government reporting that I have found. In this issue I want to highlight some stats on the youth in the country that wander the streets looking for food and shelter. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, youth homelessness is disturbingly common. Although the prevalence of youth homelessness is difficult to measure, researchers estimate that about 5 to 7.7 percent of youth experience homelessness each year. The same factors that contribute to adult homelessness, such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, low education levels, unemployment, mental health, and substance abuse, can lead to homelessness among youth. Beyond these facts, youth homelessness is largely a reflection of family breakdowns. Youth become homeless for varying reasons, including running away from home, being abandoned by their parents or guardians, being emancipated, or discharged from some sort of state care. Homeless youth often flee homes where they experience physical abuse and between 17 to 35 percent experience sexual abuse. Youth transitioning out of foster care and juvenile corrections facilities are at higher risk of becoming homeless. Due to lack of education and maturity they are at a higher risk for physical and sexual assault, illness, mental issues and suicide. Homeless youth tend to gravitate to dogs that they find on the streets to help alleviate some of the loneliness. And interestingly the dogs seem to be drawn to them as well. As in the case with adult homeless, pets provide comfort, loyalty, warmth and protection. Youth have the same problems of finding food and shelter. Many local community programs, funded by the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, served over 500,000 homeless and runaway youth in 2005. Still, HHS reported that over 2,500 homeless and runaway youth were turned away from shelter and housing in 2005 due to lack of bed spaces. Funding for shelter and housing for youth should be increased to ensure no young people in the U.S.A. sleep on the streets or in an unsafe environment. ================================ 3. In the “News” – these news outlets have been supportive of the program and have contributed to the ongoing success. The CatChannel.com and the DogChannel.com posted “Pet Stores to Host Homeless Dog/Cat Food Drive” Fido Friendly a wonderful travel magazine for pet owners printed a two page spread entitled "Pets of the Homeless" There has been numerous blogg mentions about the program and I encourage you to participate and help spread the word about the program on any that you are a member. ======================================== 4. New Members - For complete information go to www.petsofhomeless.com If you live in these areas, drop off pet food to these new members and show your support. Carrie Singer Scottsdale, AZ (602) 568-5636 The animal lover's gallery and marketplace 125 Mayo Rd. #410 Edgewater, MD (410) 956-4500 Sacred Heart-St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry is looking for a pet related business to partner Director of Pantry - Caroline 811 Latah Dr. Boise, ID 83706 208-344-8311 Hours: 9:30-11:30 MWF ================================================ 5. New Supporters and Sponsors - If you would like to be listed on the website as a supporter, just drop me an email with your name, city and state. Sponsors: Kristina Russell, Prospect, KY Terri Shockley, Morristown, TN Supporters: Marilyn Koepenick, Minden, NV Kelly Williams
6. Quote: It's funny
how
dogs and cats know the inside of folks better
than other folks do, isn't it? |
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