Confronting Crisis…
SAVE Southern Oregon Humane Society
Immediate infusion of donations is needed to continue providing care for the animals at SOHS
Eighty three years ago the Southern Oregon Humane Society began operations in an old farmhouse located in rural Jackson County. The Society has been operating in the same location ever since… providing shelter, care, loving compassion, and offering hope for homeless pets. The stewardship continues today guided by a mission dedicated to responsible pet ownership and the simple philosophy that kindness to animals helps build a better world for everyone.
Adoptions at SOHS have remained strong throughout the current challenging economic times. 1365 pets were adopted in 2010 and adoption numbers in 2011 continue to exceed 100 pets each month. The need for services has never been greater in the history of the organization.
Help the Southern Oregon Humane Society
Interim Executive Director Kathie Olsen has determined, in an assessment requested by the Board of Directors, that SOHS has reached a critical crossroads. “The cash situation needs to be stabilized in order for SOHS to continue responsible operations. They have done their best to do more with less. The efforts of dedicated staff, over 300 volunteers, and hundreds of donors have kept the organization going strong. However an aged facility, animal medical care, heating, and other operational costs, along with increased demand for services and a persistent recession, have aligned to challenge an already stressed operations budget. Available resources have been stretched beyond the breaking point during the slow summer months” says Olsen. “It has been a perfect storm.”
The Humane Society depends 100% on private donations and receives no tax dollars. Like every other person or organization in Southern Oregon, it has been affected by the economy. Animal intake has risen significantly for the same reason. SOHS is committed to caring for and finding forever homes for these animals. A failed capital campaign has necessitated refinancing the Table Rock Road property and sufficient cash reserves to continue operations are depleted.
The Humane Society is Important to ALL
SOHS will spend the next 60 days scouting for an infusion of cash to stabilize the current financial deficit… the goal is to raise $75,000 within 60 days and a total of $500,00 within 12 months while costs are reduced wherever possible. “The people of Jackson County have an opportunity to step up at this critical time and guarantee the health and security of the animals that need the quality of care provided by SOHS,” says Olsen. “This is the moment.” Donors are already opening their hearts and wallets.
“It will take the whole community to do it” says SOHS board President Mary Hanenburg. “My husband Tom and I cannot imagine our lives without our pets, nor can we imagine the community without the Humane Society. When we donate to SOHS, it is with a glad heart. Our dollars can work through the Humane Society to save the lives of homeless animals, and comfort the owners who must relinquish their beloved pets.”
The Humane society is needed by the community now, more than ever. And, now more than ever, the Humane Society needs the community’s financial support.
DONATE NOW! southernoregonhumane.org and Facebook.
I have been a volunteer for 15+ years and cannot imagine life without the SOHS and their incredible programs, such as the Saving Train, helps both animals and people. The SOHS is in dire need of money, and I pray that the generous folks of the Rogue Valley will dig deep into their pockets to help out! Thanks so much in advance!
Thank you for posting this urgent message, to get the word out as widely as possible. I just sold several unwanted items on Craigslist and sent the proceeds to SOHS. I hope everyone sends whatever they can. Even small donations add up and do so much good!