After hearing about the people and pets of the Second Avenue Commons in Pittsburgh being displaced after a devastating fire in June, a Penn Hills man decided to help the animals and their owners as much as he could.
Jeremy Carter, 34, who recently was named one of Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40, decided to celebrate the honor to start a fundraiser for those affected by the fire.
With more than 14 years of social work under his belt, and as the acting manager of housing strategy for UPMC, Carter knew how devastating the fire had been for the people and pets residing at the Commons.
He contacted Pittsburgh Mercy, the service provider of the shelter, and learned the shelter did not have any funding for the 10 pets affected by the fire.
“They had a grant and had spent it before the fire,” Carter said. “They lost $3,000 of pet equipment in the fire.”
The Commons is the only homeless shelter in Pittsburgh that offers sanctuary for people and their pets. In addition to the 10 pets, 180 people were displaced by the fire.
Jody Figas, vice president of development for Pittsburgh Mercy, said everyone who called Second Avenue Commons their home had to be relocated to a temporary site at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
For those with pets, items such as crates, food and leashes are essential. Pittsburgh Mercy connected with the Humane Animal Rescue the day of the fire, and the organization donated a lot of those items. However, the shelter still is in need especially now that residents will be moving back into the shelter in November.
“When Jeremy called and said he wanted to use his 40 Under 40 recognition to do something that would help individuals who are experiencing homelessness, this seemed like a perfect fit,” Figas wrote in an email. “Plus, Jeremy has pets and knows firsthand how much joy and comfort these animals provide.”
After speaking with Figas, Carter set a $7,500 goal and began making his plans for the fundraiser.
“I didn’t want a stuffy sit-down fundraiser,” he said. “I wanted something fun and low-key.”
Upcoming Local Events
Carter will be hosting an event Nov. 13, dubbed Play for Pets, at Dave & Busters at the Waterfront in Homestead. Tickets for the event cost $100 each and include a buffet, an open bar and a $25 card for half-priced games. For those who want to help but can’t attend the event, monetary donations can be made on the Play for Pets website or pets supplies can be purchased and donated on Pittsburgh Mercy’s Chewy wishlist.
“Jeremy’s support has been incredible. All of the contributions he has secured — the dog beds, the treats, food, crates — are all things that our clients with pets need when they enter the renovated shelter at Second Avenue Commons later this month,” Figas said. “We are incredibly grateful to Jeremy.”
As of Oct. 24, Carter had collected $9,100 for the cause. Community members, family, friends and companies have chipped in. He called the outpouring of support humbling.
“I think I’ve had this notion that there are still good people and companies,” Carter said. “Even though people are going through tough financial times, they’re still chipping in. It’s humbling.”
Carter said he owns a dog, a cat and ferrets, and if he were to go through something as devastating as losing stable housing, he would want his best friends by his side for support.
“Most of us are just one event away from homelessness,” he said.
Even Dave & Buster’s felt the giving spirit. Carter said the corporation waived the venue cost and gave a 20% discount on everything included in the ticket. Speakers at the event will include representatives of Pittsburgh Mercy, Allegheny County officials and representatives of Second Avenue Commons.
“I’m just excited to see everyone from all walks of life come together,” Carter said. “I’m excited to see everyone rally behind this. I may do this again (for the Commons) in the future.”