SPECIAL HOMES FOR SPECIAL PEOPLE: THE
PLANNED
ANIMAL-
LOVERS
COMMUNITYA HOME DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR LOW-INCOME ELDERLY AND/OR DISABLED PEOPLE
A Brief Background and Synopsis of the PAL Community Plan:
The Issue: Currently, there are no viable housing programs for a large segment of the low-income, aging and/or disabled population: persons with animal families. Unable to afford normal rent or purchase of a home, and unwilling to "throw away" our non-human families, we are left with few or no options...
For example, local and state agencies told me “Get rid of the animals and we'll get you an apartment in town for $535 a month.” My critters are my only close family. My three dogs were rescued; two are now aged, one is chronically ill; the young one is learning to be my companion-aide. My horse, whom I raised from a foal - and who gave me reason to live after the death of my only child - is now 25 years old. One cat is nearly seven years old, and the other, much older, was abused. Like pet owners who refuse to evacuate from Hurricanes, "Getting rid" of my family is simply not an option for me, or for thousands of others like me. It would be emotionally devastating - horribly cruel.
Imagine ... ... Being deprived of the beloved ones who gave your life meaning, forced by circumstances to live in a strange neighborhood, not of your choice, among strangers grouped by no common ground except poverty. Imagine suddenly being relocated without your family; your best friends. As a vulnerable, now lonely person,
in exchange for giving up - possibly having put to death - your dearest family, you would spend 80% of your income for rent for the dubious privilege of living in a subsidized apartment.
Worse than the loneliness, for the elderly or disabled animal lover, would be the guilt and grief for their forsaken family. THAT IS NOT A HEALTHY OR KIND REMEDY FOR A HOUSING PROBLEM! THAT IS A PENALTY, NOT A SOLUTION!I HAVE AN IDEA - AN ANIMAL LOVER'S DREAM - for a planned community. Very briefly, my plan addresses and incorporates these issues:
1.
Housing2.
Elderly/Senior Citizens3.
Disabled Persons4.
Poverty5.
Health Care/benefits6.
Animal Welfare - Homes, Care and Spay/neuter 0-to-1000-legged families (pets of any species).
7.
Ecology - Earth-safe,efficient, cost effective and affordable living 8.
Alternative Housing9.
Alternative Energy, Off the Grid.
10.
Employment: Provide Jobs in design, implementation, construction, maintenance...
11.
Nutrition, Food Safety and Organic Foods a. provide healthier nutrition and exercise b. contribute to
environmental healing 12.
Promote good Mental Health by grouping people with a common cause (animal welfare) for the common good of the community
13.
Reduce Taxes - reduce the burden on taxpayers for providing housing by availability of grant funding from a wide variety of sources. 14.
Planning Model for the National community,
...there's much more! Please ask me for details!
Feedback is appreciated and encouraged! If you are interested in helping or joining this community effort, or just have questions, please email me at
CritterLink@gmail.com
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