Community Outreach Program


The Community Outreach Program focuses on helping the community care for stray or abandoned cats.

In 2011, HHPR experienced rapid increase in the number of inquiries about stray and abandoned cats. People were expressing concern for these animals and either could not own them or could not take them to their locally contracted shelter. In addition, area shelters were full. But HHPR was also full to capacity and this left us with a dilemma: how do we help those concerned citizens address this need and not overwhelm our own resources? The Community Foster Outreach Program was born.

We reasoned that if a person were concerned enough to call for help, they might be able to provide temporary foster care if we helped with resources. We decided to create kits consisting of a large crate or cage, litter pan, litter, dry food, wet food, dishes, and blanket. These kits would be loaned to the temporary foster home so they could shelter the cat in a garage, basement or porch until shelter space opened.

Our judgement paid off. As these calls came in and we offered this option, many people were relieved and grateful to be able to actually do something – to make a difference. The few outreach kits we made up were quickly loaned out. Our volunteers set to work and creating more and more outreach kits. We also built winter shelters out of old carriers and storage tubs. These have been distributed as part of the Community Foster Outreach Program.

Many of the cats were setup with parasite treatments and vet appointments and later admitted to HHPR for continued rehabilitation and placement.

In 2012, we received some good news: our grant application for this program was accepted. Halfway Home received a grant of $3956 from the Belvedere Animal Welfare Fund through the Maine Community Foundation to build up the Foster Outreach Program that was successfully piloted in 2011.

If you have a stray cat outside and are concerned about its safety during the winter, call 999-1075 to learn how we might be able to help you. Ask for information about winter shelters.

If you would like to help support this program, we welcome donations of used crates and large carriers, litter pans, clay litter, cat chow and canned food. We also welcome monetary donations which can be sent to P.O. Box 488, Caribou ME 04736 or use the PayPal link below.

Community Outreach Project:  Supports emergency care programs.

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