They’re Homeless,
Not Hopeless. And, We Should Help Them. by Mary Collister
Shohn with his dog and two cats, Luna, Jade and Gargoyle.
Many homeless people have pets. Pets Of The Homeless, a national nonprofit organization focused on feeding and providing emergency care to pets of homeless people, reports that 5-10% have dogs and/or cats, while in some areas of the country, the rate is as high as 25%. There are many reasons, even some research, examining
why homeless people have pets. According to Leslie Irvine (2013, Journal of Contemporary Ethnography), pets feature in what she calls the redemption narratives. These are personal narratives in which homeless or formerly homeless people construct (view) their companion animals as having changed or saved their lives. Irvine notes that, “Animals become vehicles for redemp-
tion. As dependent others, animals encourage a sense of responsibility. As the providers of unconditional love, they reward the fulfillment of responsibility. And as silent witnesses, they keep the tellers from lapsing into risky behavior.” In June 2017, Community Pet Project (CPP) made its first
appearance at a homeless outreach event in Hillsborough County. The volunteers may not have been familiar with
34 THE NEW BARKER
Irvine’s research but they quickly became aware that there was a need for support for the pets of the homeless. CPP began as a division of a local rescue organization, but as the need grew larger, CPP incorporated as its own entity and in June 2018 became a 501(c)3 nonprofit. According to CPP’s President Rhonda Eldridge, “Our
mission is to provide for the pets of the homeless and at risk residents of Hillsborough County by distributing food, treats, collars, leashes, flea preventative and other basic items.” The organization also helps secure low-cost or free spay and neuters. CPP volunteers attend each quarterly Homeless Outreach
Event sponsored by the Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s Department, the Tampa Police Department, Tampa International Airport Police, and the Temple Terrace Police. These events give CPP the ability to reach many homeless and at-risk individuals. Once that connection is made, the individuals are encouraged to contact CPP when they need food or other pet supplies. At that time a CPP volunteer will deliver the needed items.
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