homeless

Grants Keep the Unhoused and their Pets Safe

Sacramento, California (November 12, 2024) – This National Homeless Awareness Month, RedRover® is thrilled to announce $300,000 has been secured to continue their Safe Housing Homeless Shelter Pilot Program until funding is expended. An anonymous donor is generously funding this expansion, to enable homeless shelters to create pet-friendly programs.

This pilot program will offer Safe Housing grants of up to $60,000 for U.S. homeless shelters to start a pet-friendly program at their shelter. The funds can be used for building, renovations, and pet care supplies, with limited funds available for veterinary care, transportation, and more. 

RedRover President and CEO Katie Campbell, said, “RedRover recognizes that companion animals provide emotional support, protection, and unconditional love when it’s needed most. By keeping families together – including their beloved four-legged members – we help ensure that no one has to choose between having a roof over their head and keeping their beloved pet.”

The Safe Housing grant deadlines are March 1, June 1, and September 1. To learn more, visit: RedRover.org/SafeHousing.

Pets and Homelessness:

• It has been estimated that as many as 3.5 million people experience homelessness per year and as many as 25% of them have pets.
• Non-pet-friendly shelters force people to choose between their pets and supportive services.

RedRover and Greater Good Charities’ Don’t Forget The Pets (DFTP) training program supports organizations facing barriers that prevent them from creating pet housing programs. While the primary audience has been domestic violence shelters and animal welfare organizations, 10% of 2024 attendees are from homeless shelters. The DFTP training includes a comprehensive website and coaching program to help shelters step-by-step through their planning process.

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About RedRover

Founded in 1987, RedRover focuses on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the human-animal bond through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance, and education. Since 2012, RedRover has awarded 237 Safe Housing grants to shelters in 47 states, totaling more than $5.2 million. Additionally, Safe Housing grants have created the first pet-friendly domestic violence shelter in 10 states! RedRover has earned a coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. To learn how RedRover is creating a more compassionate world, visit RedRover.org.