There’s a soup kitchen in New York City that provides a welcoming space not only for the homeless but for their pets as well. They not only offer food but also medical care to homeless individuals’ companion animals.
Collide is part of the Graffiti Community Ministries, located inside of Graffiti Church and from late spring through the fall, they serve human and animal families a meal together twice a week. “These weekly meals allow us to connect with our clients while outfitting them with supplies needed for themselves and their animals,” says Collide on Facebook.
Photo credit: Collide / Facebook
They have a picnic-style space outside of the Graffiti church where people and their dogs can relax and have a meal together.
Photo credit: Collide / Facebook
Collide also has volunteer vet who will provides check-ups, vaccinations, medicine for homeless pets and offers spay/neuter programs.
Photo credit: Collide / Facebook
The group is keeping pets together with their humans in more ways than with a meal and medical care. Collide also assists with licensing pets, making sure that dogs are up-to-date on their vaccinations and have proper identification. Having their pet’s tags, vaccination records and proof of ownership are all important for homeless individuals as they are more commonly flagged by law enforcement on the streets. It also aids them in getting their pets back should they happen to be separated from their pet or have their dog stolen.
Photo credit: Collide / Facebook
Collide also helps people and pets when a dire situations occur. When a man was badly injured in a hit-and-run, he needed to get home. “With the help of many complete strangers in Arkansas, we were able to make the arrangements to fly our client and his dog home to the west coast where he received the additional surgery he needed after being a victim of a hit and run,” writes Collide. “He made a full recovery.”
Photo credit: Collide / Facebook
And when there was a severe blizzard in January, Collide opened an emergency boarding service to help house dogs, cats and pet rats while their humans sought warm shelter for themselves. Many shelters do not allow pets, forcing people to stay on the streets even when the weather is dangerous.
Photo credit: Collide / Facebook
Helping homeless individuals and their pets is core to Collide’s mandate. “At Collide, we recognize the critical role companion animals play in the overall well-being of their owners, as they offer emotional support, stability, and unconditional love,” they explain. “We believe all creatures are valuable, and for us, that means compassion extends from the end of the leash to the hand that holds it.”
Since the program began in 2010, Collide has helped hundreds of animals and their humans. To find out more about the work they do visit their website.
Share this innovative program with your friends and family!
Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links.