Funds to be used to help homeless men and women remain united with their pets as they access services.
Camillus House has been awarded a generous $10,000 grant from the Banfield Foundation® to fund the Homeless Pet Project (HPP). Through the HPP, in addition to the Joanna and Greg Swienton Dog Kennel and dog walk area, the program will provide the necessary resources and supplies for clients to properly care for their pets.
“Camillus House is grateful for the Banfield Foundation and its support of the homeless population and their pets,” explained Hilda M. Fernandez, CEO of Camillus House. “While enduring a difficult time on the streets, often individuals will adopt a pet, either for protection, a sense of belonging and even companionship. If Camillus was unable to allow clients to bring their pets with them as they access services, many simply would not enter the programs they critically need.”
Thanks to the Banfield Foundation, the homeless population in Miami-Dade County and those housed at Camillus’ main Norwegian Cruise Line campus can access various products needed to properly care for their pets. Items including fresh food, collars and leashes, flea and tick medicine, bedding, and dog bowls will be accessible for homeless clients. Complimenting the kennel on-site and veterinarian services offered by Project Unleashed, a free veterinary clinic for homeless and needy pet owners, clients will have all the tools to love and care for their pets. Arguably, both the homeless client and pet will benefit from the project. Clients will be able to receive the services required to transition to self-sufficiency all while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of ownership. Moreover, pets with be able to remain with their owner, keeping them off the streets, in overcrowded animal shelters or even worse, euthanasia.
“Banfield Foundation’s support of HPP makes a huge difference on the clients and pets served. Without having to worry about the resources to take care of their pet, clients can focus on their treatment and next steps to transition towards independence,” said Hilda Fernandez.”
Camillus House is thrilled to work alongside the Banfield Foundation to help the homeless and the pets they care for.
About the Banfield Foundation®
At the core of the Banfield Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the belief that all pets deserve access to veterinary care. In support of this belief, the foundation funds programs that enable veterinary care, elevate the power of the human-animal bond, provide disaster relief for pets, and advance the science of veterinary medicine through fostering innovation and education. It also leverages the expertise and passion of Banfield Pet Hospital associates to care for pets in need. The Banfield Foundation is committed to making a better world for pets because they make a better world for us.