Humane Society of St. Joseph County in need of new roof

MISHAWAKA, Ind. – The Humane Society of St. Joseph County says problems with the building’s roof could shut down sections of the shelter or move animals to other shelters.

Employees say when it rains, the shelter rushes to find buckets and put tarps over animals to keep them dry.

From the outside, the roof looks fine, but inside, the damage is evident. In one room, paneling is missing, exposing the ductwork. In another section, duct tape prevents water from leaking into the shelter.

The roof is most likely due to old age. It is 10 years old. Employees said they have a couple of months to fix this issue. If it isn’t, employees said the shelter may have to shut down sections of the shelter or even move the more than 500 animals to other shelters.

“The animals need a place to be in our community,” said outreach coordinator Emily Luther. “So, those stray, homeless animals, people who can no longer care for their animals, they need a place and this is that place for them. If that’s not here, where are those animals going to go? They’ll be on the streets, and we really don’t need that, we can’t have that.”

Only a section of the roof needs fixed, but it’s costly. Repairs are estimated at $3,500. The Humane Society of St. Joseph County is asking for the community’s help to raise the needed money.

The Humane Society is holding a trivia night at Smith’s Downtown Bar & Grille in Mishawaka on Friday October 19. The event starts at 5 p.m. The Humane Society is also crowdfunding. To donate, click here.

“We have to make sure our animals aren’t getting wet of course,” said Luther. “We really need to raise these funds so our animals can stay safe and warm and dry and our stuff can continue to have jobs here.”