Couple Founds Unique Shelter Where Homeless People And Animals Take Care Of Each Other

Sep 02, 2019 by apost team

A couple decided to do something about the homeless population in their city. Glen Greenwald and his husband David Miranda wanted to do something extra to provide comfort to people without homes. They run an animal shelter and hired homeless people to staff the venue.

The couple wanted to break stereotypes about homeless people who care for their pets. Greenwald pointed out to The Dodo that people assume pets of homeless people are mistreated or neglected.

"But, far more often, the truth is the opposite: The bond that forms between homeless people and their homeless pets is often strong, deep and more profound than many can imagine. The mutual need, and resulting intense devotion, that homeless people and their animals develop for one another is inspiring and can be unlike what one might find in any other context," Greenwald said to the publisher. 

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Greenwald and Miranda want to bring these kinds of bonds to their new animal shelter. To qualify for the employment opportunity, the homeless persons must also show they cared for pets while living on the streets. A display of love and care for their pets establishes the compassion necessary for the job.

"By providing them employment in animal shelters centered around the passion they have already developed — along with social work and other services to aid them in managing their income and transitioning them from the streets into permanent employment — we believe we can utilize the mutual support that homeless people and animals in need provide one another in order to help both," Greenwald said. 

Greenwald and Miranda also realize the employees they hire gain much from their new jobs. Taking care of shelter pets creates a sense of empowerments in caregivers. The experience becomes something more than earning a paycheck.

Do you know someone who loves animals and also loves feel-good stories? Let the person know about this awesome tale of shelter animals and their unique caregivers.