Longmont Humane Society Needs Help To Stay Open
LONGMONT, Colo. (CBS4) - The Longmont Humane Society is threatening to close its doors if it can't stave off foreclosure. The nonprofit is deep in debt and now pleading for help.
Hundreds of pets waiting for adoption would be left with nowhere to go.
"We were operating in the negative for several years," said Liz Smokowski, Executive Director of the Longmont Humane Society.
The nonprofit's cash struggle could force them into foreclosure.
"We are asking the community to come together with $3.1 million, and I know that's a huge amount and it's a lot to ask," Smokowski said.
The state-of-the-art $9 million facility built in 2006 was intended to expand their operations but instead broke the bank.
"The expenses associated with the building, etc., had far exceeded what we thought it would, and therefore we have been making those annual payments, however, we ran out of money,"
After 6 years of building debt, staff and budget cuts weren't enough to make ends meet.
"I didn't realize they were so much in trouble," customer Becky Dean said. "I hope we can help."
They have until Nov. 30 to make a loan payment of $773,000. If they fail to raise the money through donations the building would close its doors and the 350 animals housed would become a forced burden on surrounding shelters.
"That would be pretty sad because they do a lot and they do that for the animals. I hope they can stay around and do more," Dean said.
Those who would like to donate can visit the Longmont Humane Society website for information.
