We love our furry friends!
Pets are family members. We all know this. That’s why the Weingart Center strives to keep our clients and their pets together.
Why pets are important
For people experiencing homelessness, the pet-human bond is especially important. The bond with a pet is sometimes the only warm, personal connection a person has.
People seeking shelter can’t afford to be choosy; so when safe shelters don’t accommodate pets, unhoused people are forced into impossible decisions. Many would do anything for their animal companion, even if it means sacrificing housing.
Studies show that having a pet provides a sense of responsibility and a reason to live, reduces substance abuse, and encourages receiving proper healthcare.
Pet’s increase their owner’s well-being, and for people experiencing homelessness, that often includes seeking out safe and secure housing.
How the Weingart Center welcomes pets
Our housing developments are designed with pet-friendly amenities, including designated dog parks like the ones at Hilda L. Solis Care First Village and The Weingart Beacon. These spaces foster safety and a sense of community, recognizing pets' personal role in our residents' lives.
In addition to our developments having pet-friendly spaces, the Weingart Center provides support for pet care. We assist with providing pet food and supplies, bedding, veterinary visits, and medication.
We care for pets' well-being because we understand their value in empowering our clients. The bond between human and pet provides comfort and care that can be crucial to the success of our programs and to ending the cycle of homelessness.
Meet Cerbeus
Meet Amy and her Emotional Support Animal, Cerbeus. Cerbeus is a very hyper seven-and-a-half-month-old cat and has grown up at The Weingart Beacon. He is very attached to Amy, loves chewing on tree leaves from the second-floor balcony, and enjoys sitting on the windowsill when the sun is shining. Amy states, "Cerbeus is my best friend. He keeps me company. I got him when he was a few weeks old."
Introducing, Princess!
Meet Jose and his Emotional Support Animal, Princess. Princess is a Boxer/Pitbull mix who is now eight months old. Her dad brought her home when she was eight weeks old, and the staff at The Weingart Beacon has had the pleasure of watching this beauty transform into an extremely intelligent friend of the facility. Princess is very playful and has a good relationship with everyone, but when it’s time to be serious and do her training, she turns into a very good listener and has mastered multiple commands she has learned from her human. Jose states, “Princess has been my rock. She has gotten me through many hard times. I feel like if it wasn’t for Princess, I wouldn’t be here. Princess is more than my Emotional Support Animal, she is my daughter.”
Support their bonds!
You can support our clients by supporting their pets. We accept pet donations such as: collars, bedding, pet food, potty pads, and other pet supplies. You can also make a monetary donation and specify that it's for “clients with pets.”
