Everyday we read headlines about the poor US economy, high unemployment and home foreclosures. Homeowners as well as investors are losing their houses. Families who owned or rent are being forced to move because of the foreclosures. Some must move due to lost jobs. Many returning war veterans are ending up homeless. There are many reasons for the increase of homelessness. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development suggests there are about 750,000 homeless people in the nation on any given night, and over forty four percent were unsheltered. Most people who do experience homelessness are homeless for a short period of time, and usually need help finding housing and/or a rent subsidy. Some find housing right away or move in with friends or family. Statistics show that over 60% of households have at least one pet. Unfortunately for those who have to move with pets, it becomes more difficult to find housing or shelter. These people are forced to choose between their pet and a roof over their head. Some pets are taken to shelters or given away. Surprisingly, many choose to stay on the streets with their pets. Between 10-25% of homeless have a pet. Their pets are nonjudgmental, offer comfort, and provide an emotional bond of loyalty. In some cases, they provide the homeless protection and keep them warm. The tragic part is, the pets of the homeless do not choose their owners.

Feeding Pets of the Homeless is asking veterinary clinics/hospitals as well as pet businesses to join the organization. Founder and Executive Director, Genevieve Frederick, explained “We are calling on veterinarians and business owners in areas with high homelessness, to join us in helping displaced families and the homeless who have pets by collecting pet food. Our members take the collected pet food and deliver it to food banks and/or soups kitchens which have agreed to distribute the pet food to the homeless and impoverished they serve.”

Headquartered in Carson City, Nevada, Feeding Pets of the Homeless ( www.petsofhomeless.org ) coordinates and supports members in 23 states and a member in Canada. While the members have pet food collection receptacles at their businesses for locals to donate food; cash donations that the organization receives go towards grants for licensed veterinarians that will supply medical treatment and preventative care for those pets in need.

More information about memberships, sponsorships and locations of collection sites can be found at www.petsofhomeless.org or call (775) 841-7463. Grant application and guidelines are available by emailing info@petsofhomeless.org with a request. Please include the veterinarian’s name, hospital/clinic, address and phone.

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About: Feeding Pets of the Homeless - a nonprofit member organization. Our members collect pet food and deliver it to food banks and/or soups kitchens which have agreed to distribute the food to the homeless and impoverished. Headquartered in Carson City, Nevada, we coordinate and support our members. We collect cash donations, distribute grant applications to veterinarians, review and award grants, and we provide marketing materials and promote the organization for our members to the national media. More information and locations of collection sites can be found at www.petsofhomeless.org or call (775) 841-7463.
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Press Contact Information

Feeding Pets of the Homeless/Genevieve Frederick
director@petsofhomeless.org
775-841-7463
2255 Waterford Place Carson City, NV 89703

Source URL: http://www.petsofhomeless.org

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