Volunteer-Led Dog Run Complete Construction at Gateway West
Albuquerque’s largest shelter now hosts a larger-scale run, dog yards, and grooming area for resident pets to primp and play
Gateway West, Albuquerque’s safe, supportive, 660-bed facility for individuals experiencing homelessness, recently welcomed a new addition to the shelter: multiple outdoor dog yards and a grooming sink for resident pups.
The project was led by Greater Good Charities, a shelter renovation program that recruits volunteers from all over the country to help shelters in need. The team travels to selected shelters to take construction projects from concept to completion to improve both the lives of humans and animals in a variety of different settings, including animal shelters, wildlife facilities, domestic violence shelters, and homeless and veterans housing.
“Dog play yards are essential in a homeless shelter setting, even for short-term stays,” said Gabbie Leister, Senior Program Manager, Construction, with Greater Good Charities. “They give dogs a safe space to exercise, relieve stress, and burn off energy, which is especially important after experiencing a crisis or upheaval.”
While Gateway West had multiple small dog yards already available, the expansion to a larger dog run and yards allows for larger breeds to safely expand energy while providing more opportunities for residents to spend quality time with their pets. The yards now contain shaded spots and benches for increased comfort and relaxation. The Greater Good Construction Team also installed dog enrichment areas to make the spaces more interactive.
Along with the expanded outdoor areas is a designated grooming sink – providing health, comfort, and dignity for both the pets and their owners. Access to a safe, sanitary space for bathing and basic grooming helps prevent skin issues, parasites, and odors, while supporting overall cleanliness within the shelter.
“This project has been amazing in cultivating partnership, community, and resident wellbeing,” said Charlie Verploegh, Deputy Director of Social Services and Connections with the City’s Department of Health, Housing and Homelessness. “Providing residents with increased opportunities to care for their pets with pride helps to reduce stress and reinforce the stability and routine that pets can offer.”
On this project, Greater Good Charities was assisted by six local volunteers, who contributed 55 hours of volunteer service. A Greater Good Charities volunteer traveled to the renovation to assist, who contributed 40 hours to the project. Local volunteers signed up through the One ABQ volunteer portal to participate.
Gateway West, located at 7440 Jim McDowell NW, is the City’s largest shelter and serves an average of 600 people per night, with cold winter nights bringing in more than 700 people. The shelter offers a safe and welcoming environment to men and women experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque. The center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provides meals, a warm bed, and secure under-bed storage.
About Greater Good Charities
Greater Good Charities is a global nonprofit organization that works to amplify the good in the world. Greater Good Charities works to help people, animals, and the environment by mobilizing in response to need and amplifying the good. To date, Greater Good Charities has invested more than $1 billion in impact, including cash grants, in-kind supplies, and programmatic support. Learn more at www.greatergood.org.
About the Construction Team - Human Service Shelter Efforts
Human Service Shelter Renovations support shelters in creating pet accommodations, so that nobody has to choose between seeking safety, and keeping their beloved pet with them. Support services include providing renovation grants, in-kind supply donations, and free coaching services to help shelters through every step of the way of being comfortable with allowing pets at their shelter.