Non-profits partner to help military families and their pets weather Helene

TEAMCOVER
Ron Grindstaff, right, comforts his wife, Marie, as they remove belongings from their home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Sept, 30, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 160 people have been killed across the southeastern U.S., and millions are without power due to the storm, which made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane on Sept. 26. Photo credit Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images

In the wake of the devastation left by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, non-profit PenFed Foundation has announced it is providing a $25,000 matching grant to Homeward Trails Animal Rescue to pay pet adoption fees for military families and support pets impacted by the storm in the Tarheel State.

Homewards Trails is rescuing pets that urgently need to be adopted or fostered. Military families nationwide can apply to adopt pets and approved adoption fees will be waived for approved applicants who will also receive a free welcome package.

"The PenFed Foundation is proud to partner with Homeward Trails Animal Rescue to provide military families with the gift of a loving companion during a time of urgent need following the devastating flooding in North Carolina," said PenFed Foundation President Andrea McCarren. "Adopting a pet is life-changing and improves a family’s well-being by providing comfort and alleviates stress and anxiety. Dogs also encourage families to spend more time enjoying the outdoors and engaging in physical activities.”

Homeward Trails Animal Rescue is a non-profit that secures temporary and permanent homes for thousands of dogs and cats annually who are rescued from under-resourced communities and shelters, or whose owners can no longer care for them.

“We know very well the tremendous benefits of human-animal relationships and are thrilled to have the PenFed Foundation’s support to make it easier for our area’s military families to find their four-legged family member,” said Homeward Trails Executive Director Sue Bell. “At this time in animal welfare with so many shelters filled to capacity with adoptable dogs and cats, this partnership will save many lives and bring happiness to so many.”

For more information on how to adopt and foster pets, visit here. Those interested in supporting the PenFed Foundation can visit here.

Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images