Editor’s note: This story was originally published by the Belleville News-Democrat, a news partner of St. Louis Public Radio.
The Belleville Area Humane Society has made a desperate call to the public for help repairing a crumbling ceiling in its laundry room.
Because with a full house of more than 700 dogs and cats there’s a lot of laundry to be done.
Humane Society Executive Director Kim Vrooman said she noticed the ceiling began sagging on Tuesday. The deteriorating ceiling is above one of the main parts of the shelter.
“When they built the addition onto the shelter, it looks like they didn’t put a 2-by-4 ceiling tile in a particular part of the ceiling so it’s just pulling down from the weight of the light and also from time,” Vrooman said.
Vrooman said the damage at first was limited to a crack in ceiling, but as it began to fall apart, she called her usual vendors for help. All are backed up with work, she said, which is why she’s making the public appeal for a referral.
“We helped with some of the relief efforts from Hurricane Ida and we also work very closely with animal control so with more dogs and more cats that means more laundry,” Vrooman said. “It has kind of put us in a position where we’re worried about accessing our laundry room but we’re also full so we need the clean laundry to keep the pet areas and habitats clean the way we do everyday.”
The Belleville Area Humane Society has been around for 62 years. Vrooman said the organization has always been able to count on community support.
The shelter will host Race For Rescues 5k and Howl’oween Pet Parade & Costume Contest on Sunday, Oct. 17 at E. Main Street & S. High Street in downtown Belleville. The events will began at 10 a.m.
“If people do want to make a monetary donation, or even participate in that event, that helps with our fundraising needs,” Vrooman said. “That’s a way that people could give back to help us fundraise for the ceiling.”
“We’re a nonprofit organization and a mission-driven public charity so we rely on community funds to keep us going.”
If you’re seeking additional information, have a professional recommendation, or want to donate, you can contact the shelter at 6182353712 or business@bahspets.org.
Amoni Lewis is a reporter with the Belleville News-Democrat, a news partner of St. Louis Public Radio.
