Hurricane Helene Relief: Best Friends Awards $15,000 Grant to Support Georgia's Hard-Hit Animal Shelters

As communities impacted by Hurricane Helene begin the recovery process, Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters, continues to work tirelessly to support the people and pets of the affected areas. As part of these efforts, Best Friends has awarded a $15,000 grant to be utilized by shelters and rescue organizations across some of Southeast Georgia's hardest-hit counties. The funds are already being used to purchase necessities like generators, food, kennels, and crates, as well as to transfer pets out of impacted areas.   
 
“In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Best Friends emergency response team has been instrumental in getting vital supplies to our most affected areas in Georgia,” said Katie Ceraso, Program Director, Humane Society of Greater Savannah. “These resources have been a lifeline, allowing shelters to continue caring for dogs and cats amidst the devastation." 
 
Earlier this year, Best Friends organized a shelter collaboration program in the state of Georgia, helping to bring over 35 shelters together to collaborate on best practices and lifesaving programs under the mentorship of three key organizations.  
 
“In this situation, we’re clearly seeing the benefits of our shelter collaboration program at a time of great need for many organizations,” said Jessica Krueger, National Senior Strategist, Shelter Collaborative at Best Friends Animal Society. “With support from Best Friends, Humane Society for Greater Savannah, Thomasville Humane Society, and Humane Society for Northeast Georgia are stepping in to help shelters within the region that have been destroyed or severely damaged by the storm.”  
 
Best Friends continues to raise funds through a dedicated digital fundraiser launched earlier this week. All funds raised are being distributed to people, pets, and communities impacted by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida.  
 
In addition, Best Friends staff and volunteers are working both on-the-ground and off-site to provide support to those impacted by the hurricane. Relief efforts are focused on facilitating the transport and placement of pets, providing medical care to animals where needed, and distributing supplies.