November 2020 Newsletter, Issue 148
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Dear Friends,
The month of October was a whirlwind of activity with the A Community Thrives fundraising event. I can’t thank you enough for your continued support of our organization. Because of your generosity, we raised over $37,000 to continue our mission of providing food, supplies and emergency veterinary care to pets of the homeless population.
The fundraising event couldn’t have come at a more necessary time. I’ve been keeping a close watch on evictions and the numbers of people and families that are at risk of becoming homeless. In June, the COVID 19 Eviction Defense Project and the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program projected that 19 - 23 million renters in the United States were at risk of eviction by the end of September representing up to 1 in 5 renter households (Read the full report here).
They now estimate that 29% of American renters or 28.9 million people living in 12.6 million households could be at risk of eviction by the end of 2020 if conditions do not change.
This painful year has taken far too much from far too many. Yet, homeless individuals in the United States had practically nothing to lose in the first place. These people and their pets know the hardship that renters being evicted will soon experience.
I’ve spent much time this last month researching resources for our homeless population and brainstorming ways Feeding Pets of the Homeless® can continue to help. We recently joined the National Homeless Coalition, and I found some tips and references for those facing potential homelessness.
If you or a loved one are facing an eviction, this article from the national Homeless Coalition may help you find other solutions and resources should you need them.
My heart goes out to the homeless and those whom are about to be homeless.
Warmest regards,
Genevieve Frederick
President and Founder
Feeding Pets of the Homeless®
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1,459,288
Pounds of Pet Food Collected
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212
Donation Sites Nationwide
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22,155
Pets Medically Treated
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$1,665,444
Given in Veterinary Care, Food, and Crates
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Success Stories
Your generous donations at work
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Puffins
Eureka, CA
Puffins is a five year old pregnant Chihuahua and was experiencing difficulty breathing.
Her owner was referred to us by the organization PALS in Eureka, California and we were able to get her an appointment at a partner animal hospital.
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GG
San Diego, CA
GG is an 11-year-old female Pit Bull terrier who had been hit by a car and was very shaky. Her owner is a woman who has been homeless in her car for the past six months and was told about our services when she took GG to the veterinary hospital.
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Robin Meyer
Volunteer Coordinator
Robin has been with Feeding Pets of the Homeless since April 2019 as the Volunteer Coordinator. She helps enroll and engage with Volunteers, Donation Sites and Pet Food Providers across the country. Robin provides support and collects reports on donations and events.
Feeding Pets of the Homeless is important to Robin because it fulfills a commitment to assist companion animals in need every single day. Robin says "We have a dedication to take action and provide aid to a population that is living without sufficient support. It’s very rewarding to work with many fine people and organizations across the country to provide resources for the homeless and accomplish our mutual goals supporting the critically important bond between people and their pets. The Goldens who have graced my life have provided nothing but unconditional love and I’d like to ensure others have the privilege of that experience."
Robin shares a call that has most recently affected her, "I spoke with a young man from Los Angeles who was unemployed and had been evicted from his apartment. He had a car and some cash yet. His main concern was for his dog who he did not want to leave in his car all day while he applied for work. He needed help finding a safe place his dog could stay during the day. With our connections in the Los Angeles area, we were able to offer exactly the help he needed."
Robin says "In 2019, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless conducted a study of homeless people and found that an astonishing number are employed and have a college education. 'Using the most current census data, 21 percent of homeless adults over 18 had a job and 28 percent hold an associate or bachelor’s degree.' The numbers discredit the myth that by working hard and earning college degrees citizens during these difficult times can prosper."
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A Community Thrives
This was our first year participating in USA TODAY NETWORK's A Community Thrives fundraising challenge.
A Community Thrives offers nonprofit organizations the opportunity to fundraise and crowdsource for the chance at additional grant funds. Our goal was $6,000 by October 16th. We far surpassed that goal thanks to all of you and raised $38,577.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for helping to improve the lives of pets of the homeless!
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What the Coronavirus Proved About Homelessness
By: Yasmeen Serhan
The unhoused rarely have the luxury of separating themselves from others. Conventional services available to them prior to the pandemic, such as overnight shelters, are communal and cramped. This poses a problem when a pandemic hits. Britain, Australia, France and part of the United States have all taken measures to help those without a home, isolate. And what resulted was interesting and could prove helpful post-pandemic.
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We’re excited to share some news! Feeding Pets of the Homeless has been evaluated by Charity Navigator through their revolutionary Encompass Rating System and received a 100 out of 100 rating!
The Encompass Rating System is a comprehensive evaluation tool that analyzes nonprofit performance based on four key indicators. In July 2020, Charity Navigator released the first indicator, Finance & Accountability, to highlight nonprofit organizations demonstrating fiscal responsibility.
This milestone achievement for Feeding Pets of the Homeless couldn’t have happened without you and your support. Thank you for being part of our family as contributors, funders, and volunteers. Your trust in us is what makes the difference and the pets of homeless people we serve.
Thank you for being an integral part of our mission!
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Feeding Pets of the Homeless welcomes our newest Donation Site Partner, Humane Society & Adoption Center of Rockport-Fulton. They accept pet food and supplies that will be delivered to local food banks, homeless shelters or homeless encampments in their area. Donations may be taken to 1308 W. Myrtle St., Fulton, TX 78358.
Welcome to the Feeding Pets of the Homeless® family!
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