The Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society has taken its first major steps on the long road back to full recovery after the devastating early morning fire on May 20, 2010 that left the 83-year-old institution homeless and financially strapped
The shelter says it recently resumed its lifesaving efforts with the arrival of two puppies, nine kittens, and a momma cat. By late November, the organization hopes to re-occupy a portion of its fire-damaged facility at 2700 Ninth Street in Berkeley, subject to approval by the City of Berkeley.
Following required clean-up and repairs, the interim restoration of the space makes it possible for Berkeley Humane to re-open its resident hospital and onsite sheltering of some animals, along with such public services as the spay/neuter clinic and adoption center.
In its official announcement about the recovery, executive director Stacey Street said, “We are thrilled to be moving forward, because getting back to our mission of saving dogs and cats from possible euthanasia is our top priority. The need has never been more urgent. As the recession deepens, more and more animals are ending up in municipal shelters that are already at capacity.
The shelter says that the expense of day-to-day operations is its most compelling challenge. Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society needs cash donations and foster homes to make it possible to achieve its goal of returning to full operations when its reoccupies its facility as soon as temporary permits are issued.
The non-profit organization, which receives no public funds, is currently waiting on proposals and cost projections for the final reconstructive phase of its aging facility, built more than 80 years ago. Based on early estimates, a minimum budget of $4 million will be required. Approximately $600,000 has been received so far from over 4000 donors, all of it restricted to the Shelter Fire Relief Fund.
How you can support the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society:
- Join other animal lovers at “The 5th Annual Purrcasso Arts and Crafts Sale” next Saturday and Sunday, November 6-7. This fun-filled annual fundraising event features donated pet-inspired artistic masterpieces from as far away as Japan – as well as the movie studios Pixar, Disney, and Dreamworks. For complete details, go to www.Purrcasso.org.
- Make a cash donation by mail, credit card or phone. To contribute online, go to www.BerkeleyHumane.org. By phone, call (510) 845-7735, ext. 204. Or feel free to mail a check to the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society, Attn: Development Department, 2700 Ninth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710.
- Become foster parents to animals in need. For details, please visit www.BerkeleyHumane.org.
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