DESIGNWORKS 2023

Palms 4 Paws

Charlotte, NC

Shannon Donovan (Queens University of Charlotte)

Palms 4 Paws Rescue & Pet Grooming Services is an organization that provides a shelter for people experiencing homelessness who have pets.

Palms 4 Paws Rescue & Pet Grooming Services is an organization that provides a shelter for people experiencing homelessness who have pets. There are two main entrances; one for those who are using the shelter and one for those who are using the pet grooming services. When you walk into the main lobby for the shelter, you will be directed by the receptionist to one of two staircases; one leading you to the area you will stay in if you have brought a pet with you, and the other leading you to the area you will stay if you have not brought a pet with you. Once you exit the lobby, there are seating options for the residents to overlook the dining area, or simply lounge. Paw-shaped seating on the mezzanine level provides residents with privacy and relaxation. Adjacent to the lobby are the offices and employee spaces, allowing them easy access to the lobby. Moving downstairs, the pet friendly and the non-pet friendly sleeping areas are separated by the main dining area, which provides multiple types of pet friendly dining options. Artificial turf in the dining area is thoroughly cleaned every night while the residents sleep, but it is the owner’s responsibility to clean after their pet if necessary as doggie bags will be provided. Both the pet friendly and the non-pet friendly sleeping areas have custom bunk beds with storage for the residents to keep their belongings, as well as a security office and nurse
office overseeing all of the residents 24/7. Both areas also have a men’s and women’s locker room with showers, toilets, sinks, private toilet rooms, and areas to change and store their belongings. There is also a computer lab on the first level for residents to look for jobs, or to simply keep in touch with their loved ones. When you walk into the pet grooming lobby, you will be directed to the receptionist, who will move your pet to the grooming stations. There are custom tubs for washing, and grooming rooms for styling. There are also pet suites for holding purposes, and the pet owners have the option to leave for the time being or wait in the lobby. The materials, colors, and finishes are warm and
consistent, and Palms 4 Paws hopes that any resident and pet staying here can feel safe.

In Charlotte, there are currently a total of 2,667 homeless people. Since August of 2022, the number of people experiencing homelessness has risen by 239 people. There are currently 9 homeless shelters and 8 animal shelters. There is a lack of both homeless and animal shelters and all shelters are operating at capacity. For homeless shelters, there have been over 3,100 more calls related to housing requests than last year. For animal shelters, they are running out of space or staff to care for them and a lack of staff lessens the capacity for care. In the country, there are only 26 homeless shelters that allow pets to reside, with the closest location to Charlotte being in Florida. There aren’t many of these shelters because many homeless shelters across the country lack resources to provide adequate veterinary care or accommodation for pets, and don’t allow animals unless they’re service animals. In order to resolve this issue, Palms 4 Paws will provide a shelter for people experiencing homelessness who have pets, as well as providing affordable pet grooming services.

Palms 4 Paws vision statement is to save the lives of people and pets all over the world. The mission statement is to provide shelter for every person and pet through our vision, values, and objectives. Providing shelter and resources to those in need will pave the way for a better world. Through our strong network of volunteers and donors, Palms 4 Paws always aspires to always be there in times of need.