Sojourner Center celebrated the groundbreaking of its pet companion shelter expansion project on March 10 with Phoenix Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari, Councilmember Carlos Garcia and representatives from Taylor Morrison, BrightView and HomeAid Phoenix.

“Our nationally recognized pet companion shelter has been in operation for nearly five years,” Sojourner Center Co-Director Julie Peterson said in a press release. “Since opening our pet companion shelter in 2015, we have served countless survivors and their pets. Most importantly, we continue to be reminded of the importance of having family members, including their beloved pets, together as they heal. By transforming our existing emergency shelter rooms and building a larger outdoor dedicated space, we’re enabling more pets and their families to overcome the impacts of abuse.”

HomeAid Phoenix pairs social service organizations with companies committed to helping people experiencing or at risk of homelessness build new lives through construction, community engagement and education.

“With only 5% of domestic violence shelters providing refuge for pet families across the country, this project has the potential to be a national model,” Peterson said in the release. “Having the additional space will provide our participants and their pet companions a sanctuary to heal and play together.”

The pet companion shelter expansion is Sojourner Center’s first project with HomeAid Phoenix, according to the release.

The following organization provided funding for the Sojourner Center Pet Companion Shelter Expansion:

• Greater Good Charities
• PetSmart Charities
• Banfield Foundation
• RedRover
• Arizona Community Foundation
• AKC Humane Fund