Homelessness is a serious crisis in the United States, with the most recent report by the Department of Housing and Urban Development dated December 2022 finding over 580,000 unhoused people on a single night in January of 2022 (hud.gov). It is a sad reality that pet ownership by housing-insecure individuals and families is a significant obstacle to sheltering and affordable housing. The lack of affordable co-sheltering facilities and pet-friendly affordable housing can be the factor that keeps someone at risk in the streets.

From their website: "My Dog Is My Home's mission is to increase access to shelter and housing for people experiencing homelessness with companion animals. By securing their ability to maintain their most important relationships and find adequate shelter, we ensure every family’s right to build a home."

Founder Christine Kim shares with us the story of the organization, how it helps communities with co-sheltering and affordable housing initiatives, and her advocacy work with the Providing for Unhoused People with Pets (PUPP) Act, a federal bill to provide financial assistance to homeless service programs, shelters, and housing.

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https://www.mydogismyhome.org/

https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/hud_no_22_253

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