Division of Water Rights Staff Donates Time and Resources to Assemble Ruff Haven Crisis Kits

The Utah Division of Water Rights staff diverted some of their money on Oct. 3, 2024, to support Salt Lake City-based nonprofit, Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering.?

For the project, staff members contributed money and time to assemble 100 emergency supply kits Ruff Haven uses to help unsheltered pets and their families. Kits include a bundle of essentials – from food to blankets – for pets for their owners.?

Staff members donated money and supplies for the kits and then got together for kit assembly.

More than 50 staff participated in the project which is part of the governor's initiative encouraging agencies to provide service.?

Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering was founded in 2020 by four animal-loving friends who met while volunteering at various animal welfare organizations in Salt Lake County. After working with many people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations they saw a tremendous need for temporary crisis sheltering services in the community. They believe the future of animal welfare will strongly focus on pet retention and keeping pets with their people whenever possible.

“It was a rewarding experience for staff and volunteers,” said Communications Project Manager Audra Sorensen, who helped organize the event. “It’s remarkable how just a few hours and small donations from every person can make such a marked difference.”