Humane Society of Atchison seeks community support amid financial distress
ATCHISON, Kan. (KQTV)-- The Humane Society of Atchison has been serving the community since 1991, but recently the shelter said it has been facing serious financial challenges.
Rising costs for veterinary care, utilities and daily operations have left the organization struggling to stay afloat.
Rachel Kelley, a volunteer with the shelter, said the situation has become increasingly difficult.
“We raised enough money last month to keep our doors open for another month, but we are struggling again,” Kelley said.
According to Kelley, the shelter has been facing heightened financial difficulties for about six months, though operating as a nonprofit has always come with challenges.
To help make ends meet, the shelter relies heavily on community support through word of mouth, donations and grant opportunities.
“Potentially having to close the doors. We would have to transfer all the animals to other animal shelters,” Kelley said.
For Lisa Everhart, a kennel technician who has worked at the shelter since 2012, the thought of closing is heartbreaking.
“I am actually attempting to try to go to school to be a vet tech. I love all the animals here, and having to transfer them out means might having to send them to shelters,” she said.
Everhart said the staff remains committed to keeping the shelter open and continuing its mission of saving as many animals as possible.
The Humane Society of Atchison takes in animals surrendered by their owners, as well as strays and animals rescued from neglect and abuse situations.
One success story that stood out to Everhart is Mighty Moe, a 7-year-old dog.
“Finding a home for every animal in their shelter and saving their lives, especially Mighty Moe who, a seven-year-old dog who was found down the river,” she added.
Community members interested in supporting the shelter can send donations through Venmo at @humanesocietyatchison31 or via PayPal at humanesocietyatchison31@gmail.com.
