A Lifeline for Homeless Individuals and Their Pets
Founded by Dr Sam Kovac, Project HoPe is a compassionate initiative dedicated to helping the homeless population of Australia by providing medical care and treatment to their companion animals.
Established in October 2014 as the charitable arm of Southern Cross Veterinary Clinic, Project HoPe aims to alleviate the financial burden of caring for a pet, allowing homeless individuals to prioritise their funds on other essential needs like housing, food, and clothing.
Homeless individuals and their pets often form an unbreakable bond, providing companionship and emotional support in challenging circumstances.
For many homeless people, their pet is their sole reason for staying off drugs and maintaining a will to live. By caring for these animals, Project HoPe not only alleviates the financial burden but also preserves the vital connection between the homeless and their beloved companion animals.
7 ways that project hope assists the community
Vaccination drives
Our staff drives through areas to have every pet of the homeless and underprivileged immunised against preventable diseases in community pets.
Outreach
Through offering clients hostels and access to veterinary care.
Crisis Accommodation
Should a client require urgent hospitalisation or is looking for accommodation or boarding, we have facilities.
Pop-Up Clinics
Pop-up stalls at churches and community centres to offer medical check-ups and routine de-worming.
Distribution
Food and routine preventative health care products (flea, mite, worm control) to those in need are distributed.
Advocacy and education
Project Hope communicates the importance of animals to those living with hardship. We have converted the Jewish House in Bondi Junction to a pet friendly shelter. Prior to this, there were few options for people trying to escape domestic violence situations if a pet was involved. There was no shelters that would accept them.
Compassionate fund
Donations cover the finance cost of medical and surgical fees if a pet is to fall ill, to allow our vets to perform life-saving diagnostics and treatment.