Pets of the Homeless (POTH) helps many people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We support those in need by providing food, supplies and veterinary care for the pets of our vulnerable community members. We love to see the positive effects of our work: happy humans and healthy pets are all the incentive we need to keep doing what we do!
Though we’ve made a big difference in the lives of the people and pets we’ve helped (and we’re still only young!), we know a complex issue like homelessness can never be battled on the back foot. To keep moving toward our goals we need to think a little differently. We need to examine what we’ve accomplished and take those lessons with us into the future. We need to be innovative to take action.
This is why POTH has been working hard to establish Victoria’s very first Pet Food Bank. Our plan is to create a facility that will act as a hub for a range of much-needed services, allowing us to expand our reach and positive impact. Working from a warehouse space, we plan not only to increase our food storage capacity and streamline our processes, but to establish a home base for new and improved services.
We need to examine what we’ve accomplished and take those lessons with us into the future. We need to be innovative to take action.
Our vision for the Pet Food Bank is that pet owners facing homelessness will be able to access veterinary checks, pet grooming and emergency boarding for their best friend. We aim to make the Pet Food Bank a hub, a friendly place in the community people know they can come to when they need help.
Of course, our primary goal is to help break the cycle of homelessness. If we’re successful, the Pet Food Bank will provide a space for vulnerable community members to access training and employment opportunities. People who are homeless often need assistance at the right time and place in order to change the trajectory of their lives. Self-determination has long-term positive effects meaning, through access and opportunity, this space could make a lasting difference to community members in need.
We aim to offer the Pet Food Bank as a place for those who want to change their lives. A facility like this will also allow us to engage with more volunteers which in turn will bring us closer to our goals.
We aim to make the Pet Food Bank a hub, a friendly place in the community people know they can come to when they need help.
As pet owners know all too well, animal companionship has many positive effects, particularly for those experiencing homelessness. The responsibility of caring for a companion boosts self-esteem and the unconditional love of a pet greatly improves the life of the owner.
Pets are also ‘social enablers’ between those who are homeless and those who are not, providing opportunities for conversation under the guise of animal appreciation. Feeling excluded from society is a major contributor to mental health issues. That’s why maintaining this connection is so essential.
The POTH Pet Food Bank is our innovative plan to help keep our community together. It will offer long-term benefits and opportunities, resulting in happier humans and healthier pets. We can’t wait to see how this bold vision pans out, and what the future holds for both POTH and the community we serve.
Written by Nicholas Corbett and edited by Kara Smith
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