Watford charity fundraising for pet-friendly shelter pod for rough sleepers
The charity is hoping to secure a pod ahead of the night shelter opening next month
New Hope, a Watford-based charity, is raising funds to introduce a pet-friendly shelter pod to its Haven Night Shelter.
The initiative aims to accommodate rough sleepers who are reluctant to seek support due to concerns about being separated from their pets, an issue that is becoming increasingly recognised.
Juliette Morrison, Assistant Manager at the Haven, part of New Hope, said: "Last year, we successfully ran the Watford Winter Shelter for the council, providing 15 emergency beds from December through March.
"But the one thing we felt was missing was emergency accommodation for individuals with pets."
Many homeless individuals choose to stay on the streets rather than be separated from their animals, as pets often provide companionship and emotional support.
"A pet is so important to them that they would rather be on the streets than be separated from their pets," added Ms Morrison.
The charity plans to run the winter shelter again from mid-November through March, but this time they want to offer a solution that would accommodate rough sleepers with dogs.
The pod would further offer an inclusive access to a rough sleeper with limited mobility.
New Hope is currently fundraising for a specially designed pod that would allow both the person and their pet to sleep safely.
The shelter pod is intended to function like a "glamping pod," providing a self-contained space for the person and their pet.
The individual would still access regular shelter services, such as meals and showers, but the pod would offer a private, secure space to sleep.
In addition to providing pet-friendly accommodation, New Hope is collaborating with the charity StreetVet to further support homeless individuals with pets.
The charity is seeking to raise £5000 to cover the cost of the pod, and Morrison reports that they are halfway to their goal.
You can find out more information on the fundraiser here.