The Door of Hope Receives RedRover Safe Housing Grant to Support Pets of Shelter Residents

Aberdeen, Ohio –5/21/2025 – The Door of Hope is proud to announce it has been awarded a RedRover Safe Housing Grant, enabling the expansion of the vision for the emergency shelter services to include pets of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This vital funding ensures that those seeking refuge at The Door of Hope will never again have to choose between personal safety and the companionship of their beloved animals. RedRover’s Safe Housing grant program supports domestic violence and homeless shelters across the country in becoming pet-inclusive. Through this funding, The Door of Hope will enhance its soon-to-open Care Resource Center, located in Aberdeen, Ohio, to provide pet-friendly accommodations, essential veterinary care, and pet supplies. The shelter will also feature onsite wraparound services including mental health and addiction treatment access, mobile medical care, social service navigation, and future transitional housing programs—all designed to help individuals and families achieve lasting stability. “This RedRover grant is a game-changer,” said Stacey Strasser, Executive Director of The Door of Hope. “Our clients are already carrying the heavy burden of crisis, trauma, or displacement. To now be able to tell them, ‘Yes, your pet can come with you,’ is an incredible step toward true healing and safety. It aligns perfectly with our mission to meet people where they are—with dignity, compassion, and support for their whole family, including their furry loved ones.” As one of the few pet-friendly shelters in the region, The Door of Hope is addressing a critical gap in services, especially in rural areas like Brown and Adams Counties. The new Care Resource Center will open its doors later this year, offering not only emergency shelter, but also pet-inclusive care, housing navigation, job readiness support, recovery programs, and a pathway to permanent housing. “We are honored to partner with RedRover in this transformative work,” Strasser added. “Together, we are building a community where no one has to choose between safety and love.” Community Partnership with Brown County Veterinarian Enhances Pet Support Services The Door of Hope is also honored to announce a meaningful partnership with Dr. Jenny Cowdrey of Brown County Veterinary Services, whose generous support and expertise will be instrumental in providing compassionate care to the pets staying in the shelter. Through this collaboration, residents and their animals will have access to essential veterinary services, health screenings, and preventive care—ensuring pets remain healthy and safe throughout their stay. “Dr. Cowdrey’s commitment to the well-being of both pets and people is a shining example of community compassion in action,” said Executive Director Stacey Strasser. “Her partnership allows us to go beyond simply sheltering animals—it allows us to support them as family.” This collaboration reflects the shelter’s core belief that healing and recovery are more powerful when people are supported in keeping the bonds that matter most to them—including their pets. About The Door of Hope The Door of Hope is a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking cycles of poverty, homelessness, trauma, and addiction in Southern Ohio. Through innovative, trauma-informed programs, supportive housing, and comprehensive care services, the organization helps individuals and families rebuild their lives with dignity, hope, and purpose. About RedRover RedRover is a national nonprofit organization that brings animals out of crisis and strengthens the bond between people and animals through emergency shelter, disaster relief services, financial assistance, and education. The Safe Housing grant program is part of RedRover’s mission to help ensure that domestic violence and homeless shelters can accommodate pets and keep families together during times of crisis. To learn more or support this vital initiative, visit www.doorofhopeohio.org Media Contact: Stacey Strasser Executive Director The Door of Hope Stacey@thedoorhelps.com (513) 884-7083