Supporting Pets and Their Owners Facing Homelessness
Coastline Housing has raised an impressive £16,806 for StreetVet, a charity dedicated to providing free veterinary care for pets belonging to individuals experiencing homelessness. The cheque was officially presented to StreetVet and its celebrity ambassador, Julia Bradbury, during an outreach session at Coastline’s homeless centre in Pool.
This record-breaking amount is the result of a year-long fundraising effort by Coastline Housing colleagues, reflecting their deep commitment to StreetVet’s mission. Deputy CEO Louise Beard expressed pride in the achievement, stating: “This is by far the most we’ve ever raised for a charity of the year. It highlights the generosity of our colleagues, who passionately support StreetVet’s work in Cornwall. Many at Coastline are devoted animal lovers, and their enthusiasm for helping StreetVet has been truly inspiring.”
Providing a Lifeline for Homeless Pet Owners
Coastline Housing has partnered with StreetVet for several years, hosting monthly outreach sessions at its purpose-built homeless centre, Chi Winder. These sessions are vital for individuals in crisis accommodation, supported housing, and those rough sleeping, ensuring their pets receive essential veterinary check-ups and treatments.
Louise Beard emphasised the importance of pet-friendly homeless services, noting: “Only 10% of homeless hostels in the UK allow pets, which leaves many individuals forced to choose between shelter and their beloved animals. When designing our homeless centre, we knew it was crucial to accommodate pets. The bond between a person and their pet is profound, offering companionship, emotional support, and stability. Homelessness is already incredibly difficult without the added trauma of losing a cherished companion.”
Record-Breaking Fundraising Efforts
Colleagues at Coastline Housing raised the funds through a series of engaging and community-driven events. Their biggest fundraising initiative was the annual marathon challenge in September, where teams collectively covered 800 miles in just eight hours. Other fundraising activities included BBQs, a quiz night, raffles, a St Piran’s Day celebration, and the highly anticipated ‘Coastline Olympics,’ which saw teams of four take on fun and competitive challenges.
Zoe Abbotts, Chief Executive of StreetVet, expressed her gratitude for Coastline’s exceptional support: “We are incredibly thankful to Coastline Housing for selecting us as their Charity of the Year and for their outstanding fundraising efforts. Coastline’s commitment to pet-friendly accommodation aligns perfectly with our mission to protect the human-animal bond. The funds raised will help us continue providing free veterinary care, ensuring that people experiencing homelessness don’t have to choose between their pet and essential services.”
Strengthening Local Charitable Efforts
As a Cornish charity, Coastline Housing understands the importance of supporting other organisations working to improve the local community. Zoe Field, Head of Finance at Coastline and organiser of the charity marathon challenge, highlighted this commitment: “We believe in giving back to fellow charities in Cornwall and doing what we can to support their important work. Each year, I’m amazed by the creative fundraising ideas and the dedication of our colleagues. Their efforts make a real difference, and the success of this year’s campaign proves the power of community spirit.”
By fostering an inclusive and compassionate approach, Coastline Housing and StreetVet continue to positively impact the lives of people and their pets facing homelessness.
