by Janice Benton; Introduction by Ryan Pangilinan
While Seattle’s one of the most beautiful cities in the Pacific Northwest, it does have a rampant homeless problem, especially as nearby metropolitan areas like Bellevue and Portland start edging out displaced people who have to look for shelter elsewhere. Many of the homeless have found companions in dogs, but the care for these animals are somewhat problematic. This is where Maribeth Topalanchik and her organization Critter Caravan comes in.
Totally Crushed Out: What is your community project, Critter Caravan?
Maribeth Topalanchik: The goal of Critter Caravan is to provide basic medical care, food, clean water and supplies to pets of the greater Seattle homeless.
What made you want to get this started?
I have always loved animals, and dogs especially. Seattle is reported to have between 7,000-24,000 homeless people. If only 1 percent of those people have pets, then I want to make help available to them.
There is currently one "free" clinic, The Doney Clinic, which has been around for about 20 years. This clinic is held twice a month in the basement of the Union Gospel Mission downtown. The staff are all volunteers and do a great job of taking care of pets. Clients must furnish photo ID, proof of residence in Seattle, and either a medical coupon from SSI or their food stamps authorization (not just their food stamp card).
Clearly, there are people and their pets who do not qualify. I want this project to fill the gap.
Both pets we met last weekend would not qualify. One couple was from out of state and the other had no identification at all.
What areas of Seattle are in the most need?
We are still in the assessment process on this point. There is a large contingent of youth homeless who make Capitol Hill home. Some people are living out in the U District (University District), and some park (living in their vehicles) down around the Seattle ferry docks.
We need volunteers to organize and canvass the city. Make contact and ask people with pets what they want and need.
Next is to get a plan in place to collect and distribute supplies.
What is your plan for severe, at-risk pets (ones that cannot survive on the street)?We have not yet seen this situation. There are many foster programs available both through the Seattle Humane Society and non-profits in the area. Outside of the usual public programs I think it's safe to say that I know a half dozen people who would consider taking a pet until a suitable home was found for them.
What are some of your goals for 2010?
The goal in 2010 is to touch 20-200 pets creating the possibility of life, health and happiness for them and their people.
What do you need help with and what kind of volunteers do you need?
In order of unfolding:
Another 5-10 volunteers who are willing to canvass, interview and takes pictures of what they find. I want to get more facts and provide a visual on my facebook page and to potential media, contributors, etc.
A vet and/or vet tech who is willing to donate a few hours a month and do it on a mobile basis.
One volunteer has located a donation bin at her business in Kirkland. The basic needs are food, collapsible bowls, water, blankets and leashes.
I dream about having someone get involved who has fundraising and media experience.
The cost to establish ourselves as a non-profit will run about $2,000. Many organizations function for years before they take this step but once it's done we can apply for and accept grant money and take monetary/cash donations which are tax deductible.
Where can people go to get involved?
Ideas/help can be communicated to me by either becoming a fan and following us on Facebook, emailing me or giving me a call. I'm also available to meet w/anyone who would like.
Honestly, we are making this up as we go along. I'm open to any and all help/ideas and expertise. We have a lot to learn and I'm sure the program will morph over time.
Critter Caravan’s Facebook
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