Taking It To The Streets: Help For The Homeless And Their Pets

Sometimes people wonder why a homeless person would have a pet? Pets provide companionship to lonely people and can help people who have physical, mental, or emotional issues. People also want someone to love, and sometimes that "person" to care for may be a stray animal. A California nonprofit called "Taking it to the Streets with Lori and Shira" is helping the homeless and their furry friends.

The mother-daughter duo Lori and Shira started by passing out human and pet food to the homeless in Riverside, California in 2012. Through social media, they were able to garner support for their mission. Pet supplies, such as food, water, leashes, and toys are given to homeless pet owners. Some people request that their donations go towards a specific animal or a specific supply/service, such as for neuter/spay operations. Items such as toiletries, clothing, snacks, and other supplies are provided for the pet owners.

During the first summer that Lori and Shira started their program, they set up monthly "street stores" at a local church's dinner nights for the homeless. Everything at this "store" was free for those in need. They still continue these "stores" during daylight saving's time.

In January 2013,Taking It To The Streets With Lori and Shira became a 501 (c) (3) organization. The organization takes the pets that donors have sponsored to a local clinic to be spayed or neutered. Sometimes, pets and owners can spend the night after a surgery in a pet friendly motel to recover.

The nonprofit educates pet owners as well, by teaching how to take better care of animals. When someone can no longer take care of their animal, the nonprofit rehomes the pets. They travel up to 70 miles a day searching for people and animals to help. They cannot fix any of the conditions that put people and their pets on the streets, but they can make life a little easier for those people and animals.

Lori and Shira embody their organization's mission to "spread a little kindness today" by their kindness and helpfulness to those in need. If you are interested in helping, please visit their Amazon Wishlist to donate needed supplies. If you are making a donation, their PayPal account is  streetkindness@aol.com

Visit Taking It To The Streets' Facebook page or website to find out more about the nonprofit.
Photo Credit: Top - Bigfoto.com
                       Bottom - Taking It On The Streets With Lori and Shira 
                                      (this is the photo that started it all!)