HOME VAN PET CARE PROJECT, INC.
From Elizabeth Howard, Project Coordinator
These are definitely the “dog days” of summer, hot and sultry, and this year so hot that’s all we can talk about.
The primary mission of Home Van Pet Care Project is to feed the pets of homeless and low income people. We’re part of the Home Van itself, a local group that travels around our area to share food with the homeless and hungry. To make the summer a little better for our Home Van dogs and cats this summer we’ve been able to give a little more.
Hawk needed some advice about training his dog Shadow, who is just a little too protective. Rather than muzzle her, we’re meeting with him every week as he reads dog training books and practices rewarding the desired behavior. He’s doing a good job.
We’re gathering the needed rabies certificates to purchase new county licenses for several dogs. Several running lines were donated and we distributed those to the dogs and helped to install them. We were able to give some tarps and bungee cords and other small items that make a big difference to dogs and cats and their people.
What we really need right now is to replenish our dog food and cat food supplies. We generally ask for Purina brands such as the “green bag” for the dogs and Friskies Seafood Sensation for the cats. These are easily obtained, we keep things somewhat consistent and the animals have food that they enjoy.
Our local low cost and free spay/neuter clinics are running full speed. We sometimes need rides for people with their dogs and cats especially to the clinics. Call if you can help.
We learned this week that there are a couple of “bootleg” kittens who recently appeared among the tents in one camp. In a month or so we’ll need help to take them in for spay/neuter. In the meantime they are fed and loved (and hopefully tamed) by our friend whose campsite they have adopted.
We had a great response to our last newsletter: A tent was donated for Lena the dog and her family; Sam was hired for some ongoing yard work and with your generous donations we had the food and funds that we needed for our Project.
This month we especially need to replenish our food supplies, and of course to keep up our bank account. Rosie, a tiny kitty who was donated by her mom, is already spayed, but she will need a vet visit and so we will need some funds for that. You can donate for general uses or specify what you would like us to fund with your donation.
Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., is a 501c3 charitable organization, so your donations are tax deductible. You can make checks payable to Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., and mail c/o Elizabeth Howard, P.O. Box 14305, Gainesville, FL 32604. You can also donate through PayPal on our blog, http://homevanpetcareproject.blogspot.com. For more information about the Project, or to drop off donations, call Elizabeth Howard at 352-473-9423.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
We Got It!
HOME VAN PET CARE PROJECT
NEWS AND UPDATE – June 2011
From Elizabeth Howard, Facilitator
WE GOT IT! Home Van Pet Care Project has received its Federal tax exempt status in record time – only 30 days – and we are now Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., a nonprofit 501c3 charitable corporation. All deductions are directly tax deductible, and we can apply for grants and other assistance from agencies and organizations.
We are, as you know, an offshoot of the Home Van itself, a local non-profit group that travels around to feed the homeless and hungry people. We are their sister group for four years now, and our mission is to feed and care for the animals of the homeless.
All our pet food and supplies come to us from your generous in kind and financial contributions. With temperatures hitting around 100 degrees everyone showed up for pet food distribution time at the library. We’re seeing new people almost every week. We see the worry in their eyes, even though they try to hide it.
Yesterday a couple attended with their dog, Lena. Lena recently had surgery at the St. Francis Veterinary Clinic and needs special care and of course a regular diet. We’re glad to be able to help with that. These people are soon to lose their home to foreclosure and they’re looking for a tent … tomorrow they’ll eat soup with the Home Van and get onto the Home Van tent list. Tents are scarce and we hope they can get one soon.
Other people have been homeless for a while. Sam is worried that day labor has dried up. He has two dogs to feed. Cal showed up for cat food, after being able to provide his own for a few weeks. Will Food Stamps be more difficult to obtain? My friend’s brother was denied his Food Stamps this week because of a very old arrest on his record. He has two cats. Lots of people share their own food with their pets. If no Food Stamps and a 130 limit on meals at St. Francis, we really need to oppose that limit and help individually as much as we can.
We’ve never run out of pet food and we intend to stay that way. We take responsibility for the Tent City Tribe of cats. Sweet Goldie disappeared from the tribe a few weeks ago. This is the first time we’ve had that happen, we are very sad and we miss him. We think of relocating the colony to a safer place, but that hasn’t happened. We continue to provide their food along with all the others.
If you would like more information, call Elizabeth Howard, 352-473-9423, holisticliz@hotmail.com. We have a drop off location and can sometimes pick up also. The cats like Friskies Seafood Sensation, Meow Mix and Purina; the dogs like Pedigree, Kibble n Bits and Purina. Financial contributions can be made payable to Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., and mailed to Elizabeth Howard, Post Office Box 14305, Gainesville, FL 32604. You can also donate by PayPal on our blog, http://homevanpetcareproject.blogspot.com.
NEWS AND UPDATE – June 2011
From Elizabeth Howard, Facilitator
WE GOT IT! Home Van Pet Care Project has received its Federal tax exempt status in record time – only 30 days – and we are now Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., a nonprofit 501c3 charitable corporation. All deductions are directly tax deductible, and we can apply for grants and other assistance from agencies and organizations.
We are, as you know, an offshoot of the Home Van itself, a local non-profit group that travels around to feed the homeless and hungry people. We are their sister group for four years now, and our mission is to feed and care for the animals of the homeless.
All our pet food and supplies come to us from your generous in kind and financial contributions. With temperatures hitting around 100 degrees everyone showed up for pet food distribution time at the library. We’re seeing new people almost every week. We see the worry in their eyes, even though they try to hide it.
Yesterday a couple attended with their dog, Lena. Lena recently had surgery at the St. Francis Veterinary Clinic and needs special care and of course a regular diet. We’re glad to be able to help with that. These people are soon to lose their home to foreclosure and they’re looking for a tent … tomorrow they’ll eat soup with the Home Van and get onto the Home Van tent list. Tents are scarce and we hope they can get one soon.
Other people have been homeless for a while. Sam is worried that day labor has dried up. He has two dogs to feed. Cal showed up for cat food, after being able to provide his own for a few weeks. Will Food Stamps be more difficult to obtain? My friend’s brother was denied his Food Stamps this week because of a very old arrest on his record. He has two cats. Lots of people share their own food with their pets. If no Food Stamps and a 130 limit on meals at St. Francis, we really need to oppose that limit and help individually as much as we can.
We’ve never run out of pet food and we intend to stay that way. We take responsibility for the Tent City Tribe of cats. Sweet Goldie disappeared from the tribe a few weeks ago. This is the first time we’ve had that happen, we are very sad and we miss him. We think of relocating the colony to a safer place, but that hasn’t happened. We continue to provide their food along with all the others.
If you would like more information, call Elizabeth Howard, 352-473-9423, holisticliz@hotmail.com. We have a drop off location and can sometimes pick up also. The cats like Friskies Seafood Sensation, Meow Mix and Purina; the dogs like Pedigree, Kibble n Bits and Purina. Financial contributions can be made payable to Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., and mailed to Elizabeth Howard, Post Office Box 14305, Gainesville, FL 32604. You can also donate by PayPal on our blog, http://homevanpetcareproject.blogspot.com.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Home Van Pet Care Project Newsletter
Home Van Pet Care Project Newsletter, May 2011
From Elizabeth Howard, Project Coordinator
April 2011 marks our fourth year as a pet care project for pets of the homeless people. Our model has been the Home Van itself, a local project that feeds the homeless and hungry people. We admire and respect Home Van founders Arupa and Bob Freeman as well as the Home Van troop of volunteers and hope we can help as much as they have. See Info Sheet #2 on our blog, "History of Home Van Pet Care Project".
In order to celebrate properly, we filed our application for Federal tax deductible status (generally referred to as “501c3”). This is a paperwork nightmare, but fortunately we had help, and our application was filed on April 12, 2011. Approval can take several months, and in the meantime we will utilize our Florida non-profit corporation, Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., for financial donations and to assure accountability. We have also established a PayPal account for convenient donating. You can find it on our blog, at http://homevanpetcareproject.blogspot.com.
Our primary mission remains the distribution of pet food to homeless people. All our pet food comes to us by donation and we never have too much, all donations are welcome. All our thanks go to volunteers and supporters who continue to give and help and wish us well in our efforts.
A BIT ON THE DOWNSIDE: Our cat colony campsite in Tent City was vandalized recently. Tarps were torn off of tables and everything was thrown around. Fortunately the cats were not injured, but it was shocking to enter the campsite and see the mess that was made. The property owner gives us this area for feeding the cats, and we have helpers on the property. We need more people to visit and give treats and generally keep an eye out for the safety of the cats. Can you volunteer for this? See contact information below.
There are also two dogs in Tent City who need a foster home for about two weeks, while their owners are away. They need a fenced yard where they can run. Their names are Bigger and Nip Nip, and they are friendly, well behaved dogs who you will like.
A BRIEF DIGRESSION: Two years ago, everyone was evicted from our largest Tent City, down south Main Street area. That is where we have our cat colony as well as dogs and cats living with their people and where we as volunteers have spent a lot of time. Gradually, people have moved back in, with permission required from the property owner and supervision of Gainesville Police Department.
Here we have a neighborhood, where there is sometimes vandalism, sometimes violence, sometimes addictions and so on. On the other hand, there are people who live in peace and care for each other and the property. Some people are likeable and some not so much. Some people take wonderful care of their animals and some not so good. The homeless life is difficult and we will probably never know exactly how to help. But we can help with the animals, and we will help you if you want to come into the tent areas on behalf of Home Van Pet Care.
We distribute pet food in several other areas, including downtown at the library on Wednesdays, at other campsites and by giving food to volunteers who travel to other parts of Gainesville. Our goal is to provide more food for more animals in need.
For more information, to volunteer, to donate pet food and supplies, call Elizabeth Howard, Coordinator, 352-473-9423, holisticliz@hotmail.com. Financial donations can be made payable to Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., and mailed to P.O. Box 14305, Gainesville, FL 32604, or sent through our PayPal on our blog at http://homevanpetcareproject.blogspot.com.
From Elizabeth Howard, Project Coordinator
April 2011 marks our fourth year as a pet care project for pets of the homeless people. Our model has been the Home Van itself, a local project that feeds the homeless and hungry people. We admire and respect Home Van founders Arupa and Bob Freeman as well as the Home Van troop of volunteers and hope we can help as much as they have. See Info Sheet #2 on our blog, "History of Home Van Pet Care Project".
In order to celebrate properly, we filed our application for Federal tax deductible status (generally referred to as “501c3”). This is a paperwork nightmare, but fortunately we had help, and our application was filed on April 12, 2011. Approval can take several months, and in the meantime we will utilize our Florida non-profit corporation, Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., for financial donations and to assure accountability. We have also established a PayPal account for convenient donating. You can find it on our blog, at http://homevanpetcareproject.blogspot.com.
Our primary mission remains the distribution of pet food to homeless people. All our pet food comes to us by donation and we never have too much, all donations are welcome. All our thanks go to volunteers and supporters who continue to give and help and wish us well in our efforts.
A BIT ON THE DOWNSIDE: Our cat colony campsite in Tent City was vandalized recently. Tarps were torn off of tables and everything was thrown around. Fortunately the cats were not injured, but it was shocking to enter the campsite and see the mess that was made. The property owner gives us this area for feeding the cats, and we have helpers on the property. We need more people to visit and give treats and generally keep an eye out for the safety of the cats. Can you volunteer for this? See contact information below. 
There are also two dogs in Tent City who need a foster home for about two weeks, while their owners are away. They need a fenced yard where they can run. Their names are Bigger and Nip Nip, and they are friendly, well behaved dogs who you will like. A BRIEF DIGRESSION: Two years ago, everyone was evicted from our largest Tent City, down south Main Street area. That is where we have our cat colony as well as dogs and cats living with their people and where we as volunteers have spent a lot of time. Gradually, people have moved back in, with permission required from the property owner and supervision of Gainesville Police Department.
Here we have a neighborhood, where there is sometimes vandalism, sometimes violence, sometimes addictions and so on. On the other hand, there are people who live in peace and care for each other and the property. Some people are likeable and some not so much. Some people take wonderful care of their animals and some not so good. The homeless life is difficult and we will probably never know exactly how to help. But we can help with the animals, and we will help you if you want to come into the tent areas on behalf of Home Van Pet Care.
We distribute pet food in several other areas, including downtown at the library on Wednesdays, at other campsites and by giving food to volunteers who travel to other parts of Gainesville. Our goal is to provide more food for more animals in need.
For more information, to volunteer, to donate pet food and supplies, call Elizabeth Howard, Coordinator, 352-473-9423, holisticliz@hotmail.com. Financial donations can be made payable to Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., and mailed to P.O. Box 14305, Gainesville, FL 32604, or sent through our PayPal on our blog at http://homevanpetcareproject.blogspot.com.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Soon to be 501(c)(3) ....
Our application to qualify as a Federal non-profit corporation is complete and was mailed on Tuesday April 12, 2011. That was quite a chore and it is fortunate that I had an experienced person to help. It is very painstaking and of course we want it to pass, even though we have been told that it takes our government a year to review and grant the application.
In the meantime, we will continue to use our State of Florida non-profit so that we have a bank account and are accountable.
Our bank account is a bit low, and I’m writing to ask if you can help us replenish. Here are some areas that we like to keep built up:
Dog Licenses. These are $20 now and there are probably ten that need renewal and several new ones to be purchased.
Medical Fund: About once year we pay a private vet fee for a dog or cat in need of special medical attention. This came to $700 in 2010. We also utilize the low cost clinics for spay/neuter operations and paid for 10 @40 in 2010 for a total of $400. We sometimes make a special request for medical expenses, but we like to have some money set aside for emergencies.
Transportation: Defrays gas and oil for picking up and delivering animals to clinics.
Pet Food: A sizable proportion of our pet food and supplies is donated, however we frequently need to purchase food. It seems that we always get more dog food donated and it is the cat food that we need to purchase.
Special Requests: We ask people to tell us what we need for their pets and then we will try to have the items donated or purchase if possible. We purchased several tarps this year as well as raccoon proof storage bins and plastic bins that we make into dog and cat shelters. These are the items that make a big difference in pet care and people are usually very grateful for the help.
We’ve been pleased that more people have brought donations of pet food and even given money donations, especially at Christmas. That means we are “on the map” in Gainesville and a lot of people approve of our efforts.
A regular newsletter will follow soon, but we wanted you to know we are now ”501(c)(3) pending.”
If you are able, we would appreciate financial donations at this time.
Best wishes and sincere thanks for all your support and help, From Elizabeth
Elizabeth Howard, For Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., a non-profit Florida corporation (501c3 pending.) Checks can be made payable to Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., and mailed to Elizabeth Howard, P.O. Box 14305, Gainesville, FL 32604. We have also established a PayPal account through our blog: http://homevanpetcareproject.blogspot.com. Phone 352-473-9423 or Cell #352-359-5712. Email holisticliz@hotmail.com.
In the meantime, we will continue to use our State of Florida non-profit so that we have a bank account and are accountable.
Our bank account is a bit low, and I’m writing to ask if you can help us replenish. Here are some areas that we like to keep built up:
Dog Licenses. These are $20 now and there are probably ten that need renewal and several new ones to be purchased.
Medical Fund: About once year we pay a private vet fee for a dog or cat in need of special medical attention. This came to $700 in 2010. We also utilize the low cost clinics for spay/neuter operations and paid for 10 @40 in 2010 for a total of $400. We sometimes make a special request for medical expenses, but we like to have some money set aside for emergencies.
Transportation: Defrays gas and oil for picking up and delivering animals to clinics.
Pet Food: A sizable proportion of our pet food and supplies is donated, however we frequently need to purchase food. It seems that we always get more dog food donated and it is the cat food that we need to purchase.
Special Requests: We ask people to tell us what we need for their pets and then we will try to have the items donated or purchase if possible. We purchased several tarps this year as well as raccoon proof storage bins and plastic bins that we make into dog and cat shelters. These are the items that make a big difference in pet care and people are usually very grateful for the help.
We’ve been pleased that more people have brought donations of pet food and even given money donations, especially at Christmas. That means we are “on the map” in Gainesville and a lot of people approve of our efforts.
A regular newsletter will follow soon, but we wanted you to know we are now ”501(c)(3) pending.”
If you are able, we would appreciate financial donations at this time.
Best wishes and sincere thanks for all your support and help, From Elizabeth
Elizabeth Howard, For Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., a non-profit Florida corporation (501c3 pending.) Checks can be made payable to Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., and mailed to Elizabeth Howard, P.O. Box 14305, Gainesville, FL 32604. We have also established a PayPal account through our blog: http://homevanpetcareproject.blogspot.com. Phone 352-473-9423 or Cell #352-359-5712. Email holisticliz@hotmail.com.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Home Van Pet Care Project Newsletter
HOME VAN PET CARE PROJECT NEWS – February 2011
From Elizabeth Howard, Coordinator
The primary mission of Home Van Pet Care Project is to provide food for the pets of the homeless people. All our pet food comes to us from generous donations of animal lovers in our community. We are also sometimes able to provide medical attention, license tags, bedding and shelters. We support spay/neuter and support the St. Francis Veterinary Clinic, Operation Catnip and No More Homeless Pets. This newsletter comes to you on an occasional basis to keep you up to date on our activities and “our” animals.
OUR TOP DOG: SHEBA. Sheba was part of our original Tent City group of dogs. There was severe domestic violence in her home, and we suspect that Sheba was also abused. When that home broke up, with the female partner wisely going to shelter, we asked our friend Dave to foster Sheba temporarily. They really hit it off, and a year and a half later, she shares their home with Catherine Cat on a peaceful, non-violent basis. Sheba has learned to trust and we are all very fond of her. She is the dog you may have heard of, who loves hard boiled eggs and peels her own egg before she eats it.
We visit several camps to check on both dogs and cats, and also have a meeting spot downtown where pet food is distributed. We are currently in the process of collecting several cats who were left behind when law enforcement owners rousted their people. These folks were too frightened to return, so a few of us fearless animal lovers are rounding up the cats for them.
We try to keep tabs on both animals and people and to be available if a foster home is needed or help to access vet care. If you could provide a foster home occasionally for a dog or cat, please let us know. We also need volunteers to help in seeking donations.
We have an ongoing need for bags of both cat food and dog food. The cats have a liking for Friskies and Meow Mix as well as the Purina types. The dogs like Purina also, as well as Pedigree and Kibbles N Bits. Financial donations can be made payable to Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., and mailed c/o Elizabeth Howard at P.O. Box 14305, Gainesville, FL 32604. You can also call Elizabeth for more information and for pickup or dropoff location or food donations. Thanks for all your help, we appreciate your support.
From Elizabeth Howard, Coordinator
The primary mission of Home Van Pet Care Project is to provide food for the pets of the homeless people. All our pet food comes to us from generous donations of animal lovers in our community. We are also sometimes able to provide medical attention, license tags, bedding and shelters. We support spay/neuter and support the St. Francis Veterinary Clinic, Operation Catnip and No More Homeless Pets. This newsletter comes to you on an occasional basis to keep you up to date on our activities and “our” animals.
OUR TOP DOG: SHEBA. Sheba was part of our original Tent City group of dogs. There was severe domestic violence in her home, and we suspect that Sheba was also abused. When that home broke up, with the female partner wisely going to shelter, we asked our friend Dave to foster Sheba temporarily. They really hit it off, and a year and a half later, she shares their home with Catherine Cat on a peaceful, non-violent basis. Sheba has learned to trust and we are all very fond of her. She is the dog you may have heard of, who loves hard boiled eggs and peels her own egg before she eats it.
We visit several camps to check on both dogs and cats, and also have a meeting spot downtown where pet food is distributed. We are currently in the process of collecting several cats who were left behind when law enforcement owners rousted their people. These folks were too frightened to return, so a few of us fearless animal lovers are rounding up the cats for them.
We try to keep tabs on both animals and people and to be available if a foster home is needed or help to access vet care. If you could provide a foster home occasionally for a dog or cat, please let us know. We also need volunteers to help in seeking donations.
We have an ongoing need for bags of both cat food and dog food. The cats have a liking for Friskies and Meow Mix as well as the Purina types. The dogs like Purina also, as well as Pedigree and Kibbles N Bits. Financial donations can be made payable to Home Van Pet Care Project, Inc., and mailed c/o Elizabeth Howard at P.O. Box 14305, Gainesville, FL 32604. You can also call Elizabeth for more information and for pickup or dropoff location or food donations. Thanks for all your help, we appreciate your support.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
New Donation Information
February 2, 2011: For financial donations please do not make checks payable to St. Vincent DePaul, as we will no longer be using that organization for contributions. Rather, we are in the process of restructuring this project. Please make checks payable to Home Van Pet Care Project and mail to P.O. Box 14305, Gainesville, FL 32604. To donate pet food and supplies, call Elizabeth Howard at 352-473-9423 or email holisticliz@hotmail.com for dropoff location or for pickup. Thank you very much for all your help.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Home Van Pet Care Project Newsletter
HOME VAN PET CARE PROJECT NEWSLETTER – JANUARY 15, 2011
From: Elizabeth Howard, Project Coordinator
Home Van Pet Care Project is part of the Home Van, a local non-profit group that travels around our area to feed the homeless people. The primary mission of the Home Van Pet Care Project is to give pet food for the animals of the homeless.
Many thanks to all who gifted the animals of the homeless with pet food supplies, toys, collars, leashes and everything a dog or cat could want. A couple groups got together and did a food drive for us – that was fun and exciting. We’ve been able to give extra food through the coldest weather so all are fed, and have shelters and are loved. We thank you so much for all your help.
During the last year, we have distributed dog and cat food at a downtown location on a weekly basis, made special deliveries where needed, purchased license tags for the dogs, and provided medical attention and spay/neuter for both dogs and cats on a regular basis. We have some new volunteers who are helping to organize the donations as well as helping with feeding and supervising the animals and keeping in touch with the owners. If you can help, let me know.
Little Cassie, a Tent City Kitty, was found by her owner at their campsite a few weeks ago, weak, uncoordinated and apparently unable to hear. Cassie can’t tell us what happened, however our vet did tests and observation and suspects some kind of trauma. Cassie is greatly improved and is in a foster home, but she needs a safe, loving permanent home where she can live inside and be safe. Cassie is about two years old and is spayed and fully vaccinated. If you would like to know more call me at 352-473-9423 for more info.
Those Pups: You may remember, the ones who were born under a bush at WalMart back in August of last year. With the aid of St. Francis Vet Clinic, we tried very hard to get these pups into a rescue group to find homes … the “owners” continued to refuse. We did obtain one pup who had a broken leg and she now has a permanent home. A son of the family turned up and took the remaining three pups for spay/neuter, which is good news. Those three remain with the mother dog and human family at their campsite. We will continue to keep in touch.
The Cat Colony continues to do well, but we need helpers to supervise and visit. Our longtime caretakers are having some problems and may need some help, so please call me for info. We continue to need donations of pet food, especially cat food. They like Friskies, Meow Mix and Purina brands, and prefer the fishy flavors. We have been going to Purina brands for the dogs, and they also like Pedigree and Kibbles & Bits.
To Donate: Call Elizabeth at 352-473-9423 or email holisticliz@hotmail.com to arrange for dropoff or pickup. In order to be tax deductible, financial donations to Home Van Pet Care should be in the form of checks made payable to our non-profit umbrella, the Society of St. Vincent DePaul, and mailed to P.O. Box 14305, Gainesville, FL 32604.
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