Why winter shelters?
Winter shelters are vital for community cats. A safe warm place to get out of the elements is a fundamental tool to manage a cat colony. A simple version made from a sturdy Styrofoam cooler, a contractor bag, tape, then stuffed with straw (not hay) is quite effective.
Our focus is on filling gaps. A lot of people asked about shelters.
Why this type of shelter?
Blankets and towels don’t work well because they’re not insulating and can retain wetness. Straw repels moisture. The Styrofoam provides insulation and the ‘house’ shape. The contractor bag keeps it waterproof while the dark color blends into landscapes. The tape is the tape. There are other types of shelters, but this is the most cost effective
Who receives the shelters?
Our pet food pantry supports 900+ animals, mainly colony cats. As of right now, we have distributed 15 shelters and have requests for 27 more. Those requests are from our caretakers and from neighbors. To be added to our list please email folx@pghlgbtq.org
Why a workshop?
Betty White’s Birthday is January 17 and a great opportunity to gather neighbors to work on an animal welfare project. This event gives us a chance to make as many as possible and distribute quickly. Our workshop leader, Tabby, can set up either an assembly line or walk volunteers through the process. Note that this does involve use of blades for some steps. Anyone under 18 will be assigned tasks like stuffing straw, stacking items, etc.
Is this a fundraiser?
We hope to secure enough sponsorship to cover the costs of the shelters – this is not a fundraiser and we are not charging anyone for a shelter. The biggest expense will be Styrofoam coolers, We are accepting donations of pet food and supplies that day.
What are the specific volunteer tasks?
Ahead of time
- Finding coolers
- Funding the sponsorships
- Encouraging people who need shelters to get on the list
Day of the workshop
- Transport coolers and supplies to Allegheny City Brewery around 9 AM
- Participate in the making of shelters – cutting Styrofoam, wrapping in bags, taping, stuffing with straw.
- Distribute finished shelters to caretakers who arrive at the location
- Drop off donations of pet food and supplies for the pantry
After the workshop
- Deliver finished shelters (larger vehicles better)
- Transport remaining shelters to Manchester
- Join our email list to continue being involved
Where will you get the Styrofoam?
We need coolers about 28 quarts or having the capacity to hold 24 cans. We can user larger and smaller sizes, as well.
These are often received by labs, pharmacies, grocery stores, and more. We can’t typically store them, but for this two week period – we’ll be okay. If you know of a source, feel free to pick up what they have. Any donations will help keep costs down.
They must be clean and in good condition. No pieces please as that presents a bigger challenge to assemble. We will have to dispose of excess Styrofoam creating more work for our volunteers so we appreciate if you only donate coolers.
Coolers are often bulky so we do not have transportation to pick up donations,
Items You Can Donate
- Styrofoam coolers in excellent condition
- 50 contractor strength bags, regular trash bags are not suitable
- A dozen rolls of black indoor/outdoor Gorilla duct tape
- Bags of straw (not a bale, please)
- Utility blades with safety guards
- Cheesecake bites or small individual servings (it is Betty White’s birthday after all)
- Snacks
- Pet food – dry and canned
What happens to the finished shelters?
Caretakers will be invited to pick up shelters at the workshop. Volunteers will deliver some.
I can pick up some coolers from my employer. Where can I leave them?
Donations can be dropped at our distribution location located at 1440 Faulsey Way Pittsburgh, PA 15233. This is a backyard address so no house- look for the orange Land Rover aka Gertie and patio bins.
You can bring with you to the event, but please notify us ahead of time so we get a good cooler count.
Sponsorship/Donation Links. We are a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization.
- GoFundMe bit.ly/GivePghCatFolx
- Venmo @PittsburghLGBTQ
- Paypal.me/PittsburghLGBTQ
- CashApp $PittsburghLGBTQ
- Zelle folx@pghlgbtq.org
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