⛈️ Extreme weather events are becoming more intense and frequent due to climate change. Hurricane Helene caused over 200 deaths, making it the deadliest hurricane in the U.S. since Katrina, and one of the costliest storms in history. Hurricane Milton is also among Florida`s worst in over a century.

An article published in KFF @kff_org discussed how natural disasters impact health, particularly for low-income communities and communities of color that face existing disparities in risk exposure, preparedness, and recovery resources.

🌆 Historical segregation has led to poor infrastructure, making many homes in redlined neighborhoods more flood-prone, while appealing coastal areas face increased flooding threats. Rural communities also grapple with isolation, financial challenges, and limited healthcare access during disasters.

The Southeastern U.S. faces severe tropical storms due to climate change and high poverty rates, which hinder recovery efforts. Many states haven`t expanded Medicaid, limiting healthcare access for low-income residents. Black communities in the region are disproportionately affected, being twice as likely to face hurricanes and expected to experience significantly more damage by 2050.

📊 Research shows that they can lead to increased mortality, with Black individuals experiencing higher excess deaths than White individuals. Major storms also raise the risk of illness and injury, disrupt infrastructure, and negatively impact the economy.

The federal government was promoting climate change adaptation and community resilience through initiatives like Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, which enhances infrastructure before disasters. FEMA`s National Risk Index identifies areas vulnerable to natural hazards, directing funding to these communities. Research highlights the importance of collaboration across all government levels to address climate change impacts.

#CAREequity #CARENews …

Whenever people hear the word “ghetto,” they often picture neglect, but what they’re really seeing is design.

Decades of laws, policies, and biases designed to push vulnerable communities into underfunded neighborhoods, far away from the resources they need the most.

Before the U.S. made “ghettos,” Nazi Germany used the same logic of separation and control to dehumanize Jewish people.

The term has evolved, but the system that created it hasn’t disappeared — it’s just been renamed.

#CAREequity …

Maxine was sleeping in a car with her 6-month-old dog Dutchess.

💪🏽 After the car was totaled, she had nowhere left to go — but she didn’t give up.

Thanks to Direct CARE, we covered 4 nights at a pet-friendly hotel, gave her job listings, and connected her with resources for her pregnancy. She left feeling thankful, seen, and not alone.

💙 It cost $410 to give Maxine and Dutchess a lifeline.

For only $5/month, you too can help cover every shot, exam, and second chance for a pup like Sassy. Use the link in our bio to give back today.

#thankstomaddie #DirectCARE …

Octoberfest was a success!

Over 125 pets were helped thanks to PetSmart Veterinary Services and Lifeline Animal Project.
Services included vaccines, heartworm and combo testing with prevention, spay/neuter counseling with referrals and/or vouchers, free pet food, and giveaways.

We were also able to ensure everyone received food thanks to the generosity of @greatergoodcharities and @kismet !

Special thanks to Adair Park Today, Park Pride, Commissioner Mo Ivory, It Takes a Village Foundation, Critter Fixers, Boehringer Ingelheim, Maddie’s Fund, Furever I Love Atlanta, Braveheart Pets, West End Animal Wellness Center and all our amazing volunteers.

#CommunityanimalCARE #accesstoCARE #thankstomaddie #pets #atlanta #petsandpeople …

Animal welfare groups nationwide are experiencing a surge in calls about pets abandoned when their owners are detained or deported.

This increased demand is overwhelming an already strained shelter system, which faces post-pandemic overcrowding, staffing shortages, and declining adoptions. Consequently, animals are staying longer in shelters, raising concerns about the possibility of euthanasia due to a lack of available space.

🐾 Recent raids have impacted several dogs, such as Lucero, a mixed-breed left at a gas station, and Lolita and Bruno, a German shepherd pair with puppies surrendered due to their owner’s deportation. Oso, a doodle, was left behind after his family fled immigration authorities.

The number of displaced animals is unclear, as no agency tracks them. Many families are reluctant to disclose immigration as the reason for surrender, which makes sense, and others are found without information.

😿 The situation worsened in spring as pet surrenders rose due to changes in immigration policies, peaking in May during raids. Many pets were left unfed, with rescuers finding severely malnourished animals, such as a Great Pyrenees weighing just 49 pounds.

Shelters are overwhelmed by the increase in stray animals linked to abandonment from immigration issues and high living costs. Facilities that usually help overcrowded neighboring shelters are also struggling.

💔 Due to the lack of government aid for long-term animal care, shelters are taking action. Some have expanded their missions to include all immigrant dogs, while others focus on immigration-related cases. Rescue directors are mobilizing volunteers and working late to place animals in foster homes before reaching capacity.

#CAREequity #CARENews …