RedRover grant expands support for pets and their people at Avivo Village
Avivo is proud to announce that Avivo has been awarded a RedRover Safe Housing Grant, helping strengthen Avivo’s ability to welcome people experiencing homelessness alongside some of their most important companions: their pets.
For many individuals, a pet is more than an animal. It is family, emotional support, and a source of stability during difficult times. The new funding will help Avivo’s soon-to-be-opened Avivo Village Central Minnesota to expand pet-focused amenities and infrastructure, making it easier for residents to care for their animals while working toward permanent housing.
“RedRover Safe Housing Grant funding is a critical investment in ensuring that Avivo Village is at the forefront of comprehensive emergency shelter models that provide care for the individuals with the deepest levels of struggles,” said John Tribbett, Service Area Director at Avivo. “Pets are a critical member of many people’s families. It doesn’t matter if you have a home or not.”
“Pets are a critical member of many people’s families. It doesn’t matter if you have a home or not.”
Since opening, Avivo’s original Avivo Village North Loop, in Minneapolis, has welcomed more than 70 dogs and cats belonging to residents.
Photo: One of the first pets who entered Avivo Village North Loop.
“By removing barriers that can prevent people from seeking shelter, pet-friendly services help ensure individuals never have to choose between their own safety and staying with an animal they love,” shares John.
The RedRover investment will support features that help residents care for their pets, including access to pet washing stations, exercise areas, and purpose-built infrastructure designed with both people and animals in mind.
“Access to pet washing stations, exercise areas, and purposely built infrastructure means shelter guests will be able to care for a loved member of their family,” Tribbett said. “It also means they will be able to get their pet ready for moving into a home.”
The grant comes at an exciting time for Avivo as preparations continue for the opening of Avivo Village Central Minnesota this October. Building on the success of the Minneapolis location, the new community will extend Avivo’s innovative, dignity-centered shelter model to more people experiencing homelessness in central Minnesota.
“Everything at Avivo Village is designed to help people find a permanent place to live,” Tribbett added. “That means their cherished pets too.”
A special thanks to RedRover for their support of Avivo. If you’d like to support Avivo, you can make a financial gift, an in-kind donation, or sign up for our email newsletter.