Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/ggo-good-packs/

Homelessness is a growing problem across the United States, especially in an era of covid, rising rents, and inflation. And while there are shelters for homeless people, many places often don’t accept pets, forcing many homeless pet owners–including a disproportionate number of veterans–to either sleep in the streets or part with their fur babies.

Naturally, homeless pet owners often choose the second scenario, and it’s not hard to see why. Not only are pets a non-negotiable part of the family, but they’re often also the sole source of comfort to those who’ve fallen on hard times.

This heartbreaking dilemma inspired GreaterGood’s Good Packs program, which distributes essential supplies to homeless people and pets across the United States.

Each Good Pack includes a backpack stuffed with warm blanket, clean tee-shirt, fresh socks, a reusable water bottle, and a hygiene kit including shampoo, soap, and a toothbrush. If the Good Pack recipient has a pet, they’re also given a drawstring Pet Pack to help care for their animals. These sturdy bags are filled with dog treats, a collapsible food/water bowl, a slip lead leash, and a dog toy.

With your support, we’ve been able to distribute Good Packs and Pet Packs throughout the United States, where our rescue partners help us give these vital supplies-–which are funded through your daily clicks, donations, and shopping–to those with the greatest need.

For instance, your daily clicks, donation, and shopping helped us provide 150 Good Packs and Pet Packs to our partners at Pima Animal Care Center in Tucson, Arizona, where homelessness is soaring. The shelter also receives many worried calls from residents reporting off-leash, tied-up, or seemingly ill homeless animals living rough with their owners on the streets.

The Tucson shelter promptly dispatched animal control officers to share Good Packs and Pet Packs with homeless or un-homed people throughout Pima County. Good Packs were even distributed by Tucson police officers, which partners with this shelter on important community initiatives.

“The APS officers carry the care packs in their vehicles and offer them to random individuals and their pets who are experiencing homelessness, usually on the streets,” Pima Animal Care Center told Greater Good Charities, recalling how the supplies were gratefully received throughout Tucson’s homeless community.

Recipients included a homeless man and his dog, Boogie, who were given a Good Pack and Pet Pack by animal control officer Kaitlyn Papa.

“I met this nice gentleman and his dog named ‘Boogie’ today and provided them with a Greater Good Charities backpack along with some extra dog kibble,” said Officer Papa. “I’ve met them in the past and ‘Boogie’ continues to do well and receives lots of love and care from his owner. They really appreciated the extra supplies and goodies.”

Snoopy and his owner also appreciated their Good Packs/Pet Packs, which were given to them by an Animal Control officer near Interstate 10 and Tucson’s “Miracle Mile.”

“We are so grateful to Greater Good Charities,” Pima Animal Care Center said. “Snoopy got a bag of goodies for his owner (and himself!). He’s in excellent health, and we could tell how much his owner loves him. Keeping pets with the people that love them… that’s the goal.”

By helping homeless people and pets stay together, Good Packs support animals, people, and vets with nowhere else to turn. Good Packs help these vulnerable Americans get back on their feet.

“Thanks to Greater Good Charities’ donations of care packages, PACC is working not only to provide for emergency needs among the county’s homeless but also hope for a more humane future,” said the Tuscon shelter, which has relished this opportunity to make an immediate, positive impact and preserve the human-animal bond.

“Pets belong with the people that love them,” shelter workers explained. “Thank you, Greater Good for helping us keep pets with their families!”

Please make a donation to help homeless people and their pets stay together.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog