Community Matters: Street Homeless Animal Project
Karen Cain, Northern New Mexico Street Homeless Animal Project
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Listen here
In this episode of Community Matters, we speak with Karen Cain, an Animal and Human Rights activist, homeless advocate, licensed mental health therapist, and the Founder and Executive Director of the Northern New Mexico Street Homeless Animal Project. “SHAP” has provided vital support to the unhoused and their animal companions for over 25 years, offering essential vet services and providing supplies like food, leashes, and blankets to over 150 human-animal families each year.
Karen Cain, Founder and Executive Director of SHAP, is an Animal Rights and Human Rights activist, Homeless Advocate, as well as a licensed mental health therapist, which gives her great tools to work on the Street helping the companion animals of the homeless and ensure they remain together as family. In 1998, Karen started her work in Santa Fe helping the companion animals of our homeless sisters and brothers. She officially founded Northern New Mexico Street Homeless Animal Project (SHAP) as a 501(c)(3 ) non-profit in 2009.
In the past, Karen has also worked with several of Santa Fe's homeless shelters such as St. Elizabeth’s and Esperanza Shelter as a therapist and consultant. She currently participates in activities with City of Santa Fe departments regarding homeless needs in the city. Over the years, she has fostered numerous partnerships with veterinary clinics, other nonprofits and businesses that support SHAP’s ongoing work, as well as Animal Control and the Santa Fe Police and Fire Departments.
_____
About Community Matters
Our monthly radio show invites subject experts and community leaders to talk about the challenges and inequities our region faces and possible solutions that could contribute to its growth. Hosted by Santa Fe Community Foundation staff, Community Matters airs on the third Wednesday of every month at 6:00 PM on KSFR (101.1 FM). Listen to past episodes here.
Community Matters: Santa Fe Playhouse
This month on Community Matters, we speak with Colin Hovde, a producer, artistic director, and current Executive Director of the Santa Fe Playhouse. As one of the longest-running arts organizations in our region, the Santa Fe Playhouse has created community on stage and off by holding space for unexpected conversations through intriguing and vital programming since 1919.
Community Matters: Dr. Opal Lee & Mrs. Dione Sims
This month on Community Matters, we are truly honored to be joined by 97-year-old activist Dr. Opal Lee, affectionately known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," along with her granddaughter Mrs. Dione Sims. Together, these remarkable women have walked miles—both literally and figuratively—to make June 19 a federally recognized holiday in the United States. Tune in to hear Dr. Opal Lee's inspiring message of hope, resilience, and her vision for a brighter future.
Community Matters: Solace Sexual Assault Services
In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, our April episode of Community Matters features guest Maria Jose Rodriguez Cadiz, the Executive Director of Solace Sexual Assault Services. Solace is a Santa Fe-based nonprofit with a mission of preventing sexual violence and empowering survivors through restoring dignity, strength, and resilience.
