A non-profit known for saving lives is now facing new obstacles following Hurricane Delta.
Acadiana Animal Aid like so many others is assessing the damage and figuring out how to move forward.
The shelter's mission is "Until they all have a home." That goal is now a bit more challenging following Delta.
"This really has a profound impact on our life saving ability until they are repaired," said Jeanine Foucher, Acadiana Animal Aid's Executive Director.
The storm ripped out 18 kennels typically used to quarantine animals before they're allowed to join the shelter's general population. Seven years ago, it cost the non-profit roughly $20,000 to build.
"They're not something that can be repaired, they will have to be completely replaced," Foucher said. "$20,000 is a significant amount of money, but the lifesaving that can occur because of the $20,000 makes it absolutely worth it."
The kennels also house dogs before they're transported to other no-kill shelters and their new homes.
"This is something we use on the daily. We've been assisting some of our local shelters who have been evacuating animals for flights. We've been able to house them here overnight so they could leave the next day on a flight to get out of here," Foucher said.
Other areas of the shelter also received damage. Two large trees fell on the shelter's cat cottage, the roof was partially taken off a barn used for storage and another building was lifted off its foundation.
"It really had a negative impact for Acadiana Animal Aid, the wind was devastating," Foucher said.
The damage is not the only challenge the shelter is facing. Power is out and the shelter does not have a generator.
"We have cats with ringworm, dogs in parvo, staff are working in PPE. It's really, really hot," Foucher said.
The dogs have indoor, outdoor access. The adult cats were moved to the shelter's "catio" when the building was deemed safe.
"We just received $10,000 from the Banfield Foundation to help us purchase a generator, but we believe it will cost us roughly $20,000," Foucher said. "So, we're not only looking at repairs to the transport kennels, but probably an additional outlay of cash to help us actually get that generator."
Acadiana Animal Aid is working with its insurance adjuster to tally up how much damage the shelter received. They understand so many in the community are hurting following both Hurricanes Laura and Delta, but they say they will need community support to get the shelter running 100%.
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