Bark Avenue Foundation is committed to helping the growing population of homeless people and veterans in the Los Angeles area and their beloved pets who are their family, companions, and security during this challenging chapter of their lives. “The 2016 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count determined that there are 46,874 individuals experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County on any given night, 34,701 of who go unsheltered – they literally live on the street.” According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, about 10% of homeless people have pets.
While there is limited shelter space for unsheltered people, currently there are no shelters or transitional housing programs in the Los Angeles area which allow people to bring their pets or provide alternative options to provide care or boarding for them. Families living below the poverty line and the homeless face daily challenges that seem hard to imagine, including the ability to provide basic care for their animal companions.
Bark Avenue Foundation has developed the Unsheltered People & Their Pets (UPP) program to address the need for support within this vulnerable community.
What Does The UPP Program Do?
Provides pet care education, dog/cat food, pet care items (collars, leashes, I.D. tags, toys, beds, etc.), free spay/neuter, vaccinations, and assistance with emergency vet care to homeless people and their pets.
Partners with housing programs and social services to assist with “pet-friendly” housing and other services.
Partners with Los Angeles housing programs and social services to provide guidance on the creation and integration of more pet-friendly spaces and housing where homeless people can bring their pets.
Collaborates with non-profit organizations, community groups, and businesses to provide coordinated efforts of support and resources for homeless people and their pets.
