Safe Shelter

Hello Friends.

Many of you know that me and MOM are heavily involved at St. Anne's Homeless Center.  MOM has served on the board of directors for about 14 years.  And for over the last two years my MOM has worked for St. Anne's.  Specifically she is the kitchen manager.  Everyday (almost) she cooks for those who are in need, whether they are homeless or just need a hot nutritious meal to help make ends meet.  MOM says there is no greater job than feeding those who are hungry.  And for those who have followed me for a while to answer a question you may have, Yes my MOM still works at our church as well.

I want to show you something very exciting.  It's right here on my paws.  Butt first a little back ground.  Some years ago during a brutal snow storm it was seen that people waiting to get into the shelter would wait until the last minute, then they were seen putting something in these school like lockers that were donated and left outside.  What were they putting in there you might be wondering.  Well my friends they were putting their pets in the lockers so they would be safe during the night and keep them out of the weather.  Is your heart breaking yet?  Well I tell you what, in broke my MOM's heart as well as the director of the Center.  It was about that time that St. Anne's was beginning to plan for the building of a new facility that would better serve the community.  And while it was met with a little resistance it was decided that apart of the new facility would be a pet area.  It was also decided that until that day came, pets would be allowed in at night (and at lunch time) with their people at the current faclity.  Beginning in May St Anne's will begin moving into its new facility which will be called Lantern House (although MOM's kitchen will still be called St. Anne's Kitchen).  And here is the exciting news (as if that was not enough).

Look right here.  Can you see that?  I have highlighted it in yellow.  Need a closer look?

How's this?  This my friends is the pet area at the Lantern House.  That highlighted part is a heated and cooled building with 18 big kennels!!  And there is of course access to an outdoor area with GRASS. 

OMD!!  As far as we know, please correct me if I am wrong, butt we believe it is the only homeless shelter that has a pet area.  Do you know what this means?  It means that families can stay together as the people get back on their feet.  It means that there is a safe place for their pets to stay as they go out seeking employment or attend classes and programs to help them.  It means that those who would not stay at a shelter because they would not or could not leave their pet will now feel comfortable to step inside knowing that their companion is welcome as well. 

I know that many of you have supported this with your prayers and green papers and believe me when I say MOM and I could never thank you enough.  Ours hearts are overwhelmed with gratitude!!  Thank You!  Thank YOU!  If anyone still wants to help out, we are still a little bit short of total funding, you can click on that St. Anne's box at the top of the screen and when you donate just put down it's for the pet area.  Butt don't you worry friends even though we are short of total funding this IS being built and I can't wait to give you all a tour.

Blessings,
Goose