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Mail from Homeless in Florida
One recent email from a woman tells how she and her husband became homeless after relocating to Florida for job.
"The Humane Society in Bradenton was awesome in helping with food for our little ones without making us feel inferior. Shelter has been a completely different story. No shelter will take us with the dogs. I even asked at one, if my husband could stay in while I would sleep in the car with the pups. They made it clear; the dogs were not welcome on their property."
"I became desperate because sleeping in the car is not legal here. I borrowed a tent. I have literally spent days on the phone with United Way, churches, Social Service agencies, and the homeless veterans program to no avail."
"In the end, I was simply trying to find someone to help cover the $10 a nite fee for primitive camping so we wouldn't be on the street. We have literally been treated as if we are stupid for even asking for help with the dogs. In the heat of the day, we stopped at a Salvation Army only to be told by one person the water was not to be wasted on dogs."
"Florida has felt to us as an unfriendly place, most especially because of our pets. After the Katrina fiasco I would have thought these agencies might have evolved. Some of us love our pets unconditionally and feel they are family. I will go without food before they will. They depend on me for support."
"Please Pets of the Homeless, get the word out that changes have to be made in Polk, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota and Pinellas Counties. No one should have to chose between their pets and shelter."
Thank-you,
Jennifer
Pets of the Homeless suggested Jennifer and her husband try to get temporary foster care for the dogs. Also there is a shelter that does allow dogs in Homestead, FL.
Community Partnership for Homeless
South Miami-Dade Center
28205 SW 125 Ave
Homestead, FL 33033
877-994-4357 |
Once Homeless Wants to Help
I need to know how I can help. I live in a residential care facility and only get $60 per month but I am willing to help as much as I can.
I love your newsletters.
I want to help so badly. I was homeless once and know how much heartache it is to leave an animal behind. I found a stray on the street. I took him to my homeless shelter. I knew I loved this stray but couldn't keep feeding him. I had no money or food. I fed him what I found behind a Wendy's in Kansas City.
The lady at the shelter took one look at him and cried. She agreed to take him under one condition. She said I had to take him back when I could afford him or got a job.
Little did I know how much her husband and kids would fall in love with him. They named him Shelter. He liked it and caught on rather quickly. He was a pug mix and a little biter. The lady decided to keep him. I was crushed but knew he had a good home with them.
I was abused all my life. No animal should have to go hungry, be abused or neglected. It hurts and is very crushing. It hurts an animal more because all they can do is bite and search for food. A human can beg and get away faster than an animal. Please let me know what I can do.
Thanks for all you do for the homeless. God bless you all out there who help when you have very little.
Sincerely,
Sarah Simons |
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For Information how to help in your community, please contact
Pets of the Homeless.
We will provide all the information you might need. For starters:
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Kathi Giurlani, a Board Member of Pets of the Homeless, is a registered nurse and pet advocate. She is the Editor of this newsletter. |
