When a Penn Hills man heard about people and pets being evacuated from Pittsburgh’s Second Avenue Commons due to a devastating fire in June, he decided to help the animals and their owners in any way he could. I made up my mind.
Jeremy Carter, 34, who was recently named one of Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40, celebrates the honor by launching a fundraiser for those affected by the fires. I decided to do it.
With more than 14 years of social work experience and as UPMC’s acting housing strategy manager, Carter knew how devastating fires can be to the people and pets living in the commons.
He contacted Pittsburgh Mercy, the shelter’s service provider, and learned the shelter did not have funds for the 10 pets affected by the fire.
“They had a grant and they used it up before the fire happened,” Carter said. “They lost $3,000 worth of pet supplies in the fire.”
The Commons is the only homeless shelter in Pittsburgh that provides shelter for people and pets. In addition to 10 pets, 180 people were evacuated due to the fire.
Jody Figas, vice president of development for Pittsburgh Mercy, said everyone who calls Second Avenue Commons home will have to relocate to a temporary location at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. spoke.
For pet owners, items such as crates, food, and leashes are essential. Pittsburgh Mercy partnered with Humane Animal Rescue on the day of the fire, and the organization donated many of the items. But shelters are still needed, especially now that residents are scheduled to return to shelters in November.
“When Jeremy called me and told me he wanted to use his 40 Under 40 certification to do something to help people experiencing homelessness, I thought it was a perfect fit. ,” Figas wrote in an email. “Plus, Jeremy owns pets and knows firsthand how much joy and comfort these animals can bring.”
After speaking with Figas, Carter set a goal of $7,500 and began planning the fundraiser.
“We didn’t want a stuffy, sit-down fundraiser,” he says. “I wanted something fun and low-key.”
Carter will host an event called “Play for Pets” on Nov. 13 at Dave & Buster’s on the Homestead waterfront. Tickets for the event cost $100 each and include a $25 card for the buffet, open bar and half-price games. For those who would like to help but cannot attend the event, you can make a monetary donation on the Play for Pets website or donate by purchasing pet supplies on Pittsburgh Mercy’s Chewy Wishlist.
“Jeremy’s support has been incredible. All of the donations he secured (dog beds, treats, food, crates) will be used by clients with their pets in the renovated apartment at Second Avenue Commons later this month. It’s just the things you need to get into the shelter,” Figas said. “We are so grateful to Jeremy.”
As of Oct. 24, Carter has raised $9,100 for the cause. Community members, family, friends and businesses have also stepped up to help. He said the outpouring of support has been humbling.
“I think I had the idea that there were still good people and companies out there,” Carter said. “Despite the economic hardships, people are still making a little money. It’s humbling.”
Carter, who has a dog, cat and ferret, said if she were ever in a dire situation where she lost stable housing, she would want a close friend to be there for support.
“Most of us are one step away from being homeless,” he says.
I felt the spirit of giving at Dave & Buster’s as well. Carter said the company waived venue fees and offered a 20% discount on all merchandise included with the ticket. Speakers at the event will include representatives from Pittsburgh Mercy, Allegheny County officials and representatives from Second Avenue Commons.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing people from all walks of life come together,” Carter said. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone come together for this. We might do it again (for the Commons) in the future.”
Haley Daugherty is a TribLive reporter covering local politics, features and Allegheny County news. She is originally from Pittsburgh and lived in Alabama for six years. She joined the tribe in 2022 after graduating from Chatham University. She can be reached at hdaugherty@triblive.com.
