This no-kill shelter near Kansas City, MO needs your help.
By Faith Salsburg, Best Friends NetworkAt Best Friends Network we advocate for a kindler, gentler world. A shelter in Kansas City, Missouri embodies this philosophy. It started solely as a foster care network, but in 2005 it seized the opportunity to expand into a rental space. HELP Humane Society then became the first no-kill, semi-cage less shelter in Kansas City. It is a recognized charitable organization with 501 3C status.
HELP Humane Society specializes in cats. They offer full scale programs in adoption and foster care, including behavioral counseling. There is a TNR program for feral cats; taming and finding homes for kittens. They maintain separate rooms at the shelter dedicated to at-risk felines, such as FIV/FEL+. They also reach out to the community through their public education program on spaying and neutering and other timely topics.
Unfortunately, their expansion has come at a high price. They have endured several budget setbacks that have threatened their progress. Yet, they have not been idle. Many dismissed employees became dedicated volunteers. They designed a complex fundraising strategy allowing them to benefit from Petco adoption fairs, matching federal funds, and they sponsor an ongoing foster buddy program. Ever enterprising, they have a booth at the flea market where they sell cat scratching posts, toys, etc. They have even been “adopted” by two schools in the area and several local businesses that actively fundraise for them. At Christmas time, they sell holiday cards, and the group puts out a newsletter 3 times a year. They held their first fun-run to raise money and they continue to apply for available grant money.
While they have put together some solid fundraising sponsors and techniques that have allowed them to persevere and even pay off much of their incurred debt, they still need help just to operate day to day for these next three months. For many homeless cats and kittens Help Humane Society is a lifeline that our furry friends cannot not afford to loose. Any contribution will be greatly appreciated, and help to save a life.
What you can do:Visit the HELP Humane Society Website at:
http://www.helppets.org/, and make a donation.
See the adoptable pets at HELP Humane Society:
http://west.petfinder.com/shelters/MO08.htmlVolunteer or donate to a local shelter near you!
Photo of Sara by Dara Paoletti