Vanada Lewis is grateful that her dog, Milo, can stay at Petco Place while she receives housing at PATH Hollywood.

In July, People Assisting The Homeless (PATH) won funding through the Pepsi Refresh Project, a monthly contest in which voters decide which 32 projects, out of 1,000, will receive grants. PATH received the second-highest number of votes in its category, and on August 22nd Pepsi awarded the organization $5,000 to help support Petco Place, an innovative project providing shelter to the pets of people experiencing homelessness.

Approximately 10% of homeless people have pets, but very few shelters allow animals. Petco Place, a unique “shelter within a shelter” located in PATH’s Hollywood Center, is one of only two programs in the U.S. that offer housing to both homeless individuals and their companion animals.

“I’m very grateful to PATH for all they’ve done for my dogs and me,” Steve Miller, a resident of PATH Hollywood, said. His two dogs, Spike (5 years old) and Duke (8 years old), have been with him since they were puppies. “When Spike came down with pneumonia, PATH helped me pay the vet bills and take care of him. My dogs have really changed me. They’re my family.”

Steve Miller has had Duke and Spike since they were puppies.

Funding from Pepsi will be used to purchase comfy new kennels for the dogs and cats living at Petco Place. Operation Blankets of Love—a nonprofit group that collects and distributes pet-related items to animal shelters, rescue groups, sanctuaries and foster groups—has generously offered to provide blankets, bedding and supplies for the new kennels.

“We’re extremely grateful that so many people came together to vote for Petco Place,” Joel John Roberts, CEO of PATH, said. “Pets are an important source of love and support for people experiencing homelessness. It’s crucial that we help them keep their pets while they get back on their feet.”

Founded in 1984, PATH is a non-profit community organization providing a full range of housing and support services for families and adults. Each year, PATH assists more than 4,000 homeless men, women and children from throughout Southern California. PATH is a member of PATH Partners, a family of agencies helping people in need.

Contact media@pathpartners.org to learn more!