A cat shelter in Green Bay has graciously opened its doors to provide refuge for those seeking warmth from the frigid Siberian temperatures that have swept through the Midwest this week.
Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary, known for caring for cats with special needs such as blindness and other disabilities, has made the heartwarming decision to extend its hospitality to humans as well, given the overwhelming crowds at local warming shelters that are unable to accommodate everyone in need.
“We are a safe haven for everyone who needs a place. It’s getting cold out there. A cat will warm your heart and your lap, too. Come on in and warm up. All are welcome,” expressed Joe Becker, President of the Board of Directors at Safe Haven.
The current cold snap has brought extreme temperatures plunging to -19°F (-28°C) overnight. At these frigid levels, even a slight breeze poses a significant risk of hypothermia and can be life-threatening for those without shelter.
Becker shared with Green Bay’s Press Times that the founder of Safe Haven was alerted by a friend working in the city’s social services about the dire situation at the warming shelters, where staff were having to turn people away due to lack of space.
In response, Elizabeth Feldhausen, the founder, promptly directed that anyone unable to find shelter should be welcomed at Safe Haven to escape the harsh cold.
As a 501(c)(3) organization, Safe Haven thrives on community support, and a local pastor along with her husband have stepped up in a big way by offering to stay overnight at the sanctuary to help supervise the guests.
“She brings in people that she trusts, and we let them sleep on the couch overnight instead of leaving them out on the streets, where the chances of freezing to death in these temperatures are all too real. This is genuinely dangerous weather,” noted Becker.
Safe Haven is accustomed to welcoming walk-ins and is typically a place where anyone can come to relax or study. The sanctuary provides cozy couches and free Wi-Fi, with just two simple rules: treat others kindly and be nice to the resident cats.
In a time when the community faces extreme winter conditions, Safe Haven shines as a beacon of compassion and warmth, reminding us all of the power of kindness in the face of adversity.
