Seffner Woman Helps Low-Income, Homeless Residents Care For Pets

TAMPA, FL — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Jacob Eldridge who nominated Rhonda Eldridge of Tampa.

Rhonda Eldridge is the executive director of the nonprofit Community Pet Project Inc., based in Seffner.

Organized in 2017, Eldridge started this all-volunteer 501c3 charitable organization serving all of Hillsborough County, after rescue volunteers mentioned that they often encountered homeless and at-risk people who are desperately trying to care for their pets. Eldridge said this was especially apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For some of these pet owners, their pets are the only reason they are able to survive a life of hopelessness and despair, Eldridge said. Even so, many end up surrendering their pets to local shelters because they are unable to provide for them.

"The need is great and, through the Community Pet Project, volunteers work to help these people keep and care for their pets," she said.

"Rhonda works tirelessly to make sure that the pets of the low-income, homeless and veterans receive what they need to be happy and healthy and, most importantly, stay with their family," said Jacob Eldridge, who works with the nonprofit. "Rhonda is very dedicated to making sure that those needing assistance receive it. She really goes out of her way to keep the pets in their homes."

As of November 8, 2020, Eldridge and her team have helped 2,307 dogs and cats get the food that they needed. They also helped more than three dozen small animals with food as well.

Additionally, Community Pet Project helps low-income and homeless pet parents with medical bills to the tune of more than $10,000 per year.

Community Pet Project volunteers attend the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Tampa Police Department quarterly community outreach events where they provide homeless and at-risk families pet food and pet supplies such as flea prevention, wormer, grooming supplies, treats and toys, as well as information regarding veterinary care and spay and neuter surgeries. Financial contributions and product donations are greatly appreciated.

Residents can donate by clicking here or by purchasing items on the nonprofit's wish list here.

Or sign up to participate in Community Pet Project's fundraiser, Grinchmas Comes to Town.

Taking place Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. to Dec. 25 at 7 p.m., for a suggested donation of $40, the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who will pay your family or friends a visit and leave each child a goody bag. If you would like to have the Grinch's dog, Max, come, too, the suggested donation is $50. Everyone making reservations will be entered into a drawing for a Grinch swag bag. Click here to sign up.

On Sunday, Jan. 29, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. and Rising Vibes Wellness LLC will host goat yoga at the brewery, 3632 Lithia-Pinecrest Road, Valrico, to benefit Community Pet Project. Click here.

To request food from the nonprofit, email communitypetproject@yahoo.com.

Visit Community Pet Project's website or call 530-6722.

Thank you for all you do, Rhonda Eldridge!

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Know someone making a difference in town? Nominate them here.