Outsiders Farm & Sanctuary: Disaster Response and Recovery Grant Report

How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?

This grant was a lifesaver for our organization and the animals in our care following the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The storm left us with downed trees, broken fencing, and compromised structures, putting our animals at risk. Thanks to this funding, we were able to make critical repairs and improvements to restore safety and security.

One of the most urgent needs was replacing our barn doors for the goats. The storm had severely damaged them, leaving gaps that made the animals vulnerable to predators and the elements. We were able to rebuild three doors at $275 each, ensuring the goats had a secure and weatherproof shelter once again.

Hurricane Helene also caused power disruptions, highlighting the importance of having a functioning generator. With $46.29 spent on parts and $75 for professional repairs, we were able to get our generator working again. This allows us to maintain power during outages, which is essential for keeping our animals safe in extreme weather conditions.

The storm knocked down several trees along our fence lines, creating potential escape points for our animals and access points for predators. With the grant, we purchased a chainsaw for $362.60, giving us the ability to quickly remove fallen trees and clear debris to secure our fencing.

Additionally, we replaced broken fence panels that had been damaged by the storm. We purchased ten 16-foot panels from Beggs Farm Supply for $450, with an additional $40 for delivery, bringing the total to $490. These new panels helped reinforce our enclosures, ensuring our animals remained safe and contained.

This grant made it possible for us to recover from the storm’s destruction and provide a safe, stable environment for the animals who depend on us. We are deeply grateful for this support!

How many pets did this grant help?

30

Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.

One of the most heartwarming examples of how this grant helped is the story of Mugsy (first and second photos), one of our beloved goat residents. Mugsy was rescued from a severe cruelty case and arrived at Outsiders Farm & Sanctuary frightened and malnourished. Over time, he learned to trust again, forming strong bonds with his goat family and our caregivers. His home here is his safe haven — a place where he will never again know neglect or fear.

When Hurricane Helene hit, it put that safety at risk. The high winds and heavy rains damaged fencing, brought down trees, and destroyed barn doors, leaving Mugsy and his herd vulnerable to the elements and potential predators. We were terrified that all the progress we had made in creating a secure environment for him and the other goats could be undone.

Thanks to the Petfinder Foundation grant, we were able to act quickly. We replaced the damaged barn doors, ensuring Mugsy and his friends had a sturdy shelter to protect them. We repaired and reinforced the fencing, keeping their enclosure secure. The chainsaw we purchased allowed us to clear fallen trees from their pasture, preventing injuries and maintaining their space for grazing and play.

Because of this grant, Mugsy and all of our rescued goats not only remained safe, but their home is now even stronger than before. We didn’t have to choose between emergency repairs and the continued care they rely on. And as we began our spring renovations, we were able to provide even more enrichment and improvements for them.

Mugsy’s story is just one example, but every goat here has a similar journey — one of resilience, survival, and finally finding peace at Outsiders Farm & Sanctuary. We are beyond grateful to the Petfinder Foundation for making that possible!