The following article was submitted to us by Fairbury's Homeless No More Cat Rescue, which is located on 4th Street just off the downtown square. The original article is reprinted in full below.

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Things are about to change in a huge way for Homeless No More Cat Rescue in Fairbury. A big renovation project is set to begin in two weeks, thanks in large part to a very generous anonymous donor, who contributed $20,000 to the effort.

 

“I was contacted by someone who wanted to donate a large amount of money to the Homeless No More Cat Rescue renovation project,” board member Kayla Sodowsky said. “I work in healthcare so this person knew I could keep their identity a secret. I was shocked when they told me the amount. It was like an answered prayer,.” Sodowsky said.

 

Discussions began in late 2023 about much-needed renovations for the building located at 311 4th Street, the rescue’s second location since it was founded in 2012. The rescue moved into this facility in November 2017. Improvements were made at that time by installing laminate paneling throughout the building for better cleaning ability, adding new energy efficient windows and installing a new electrical panel. However, there was not enough money to address the original concrete floors or restore windows that had been covered on the east side.

 

“Cleaning rough concrete floors was an impossible task because adding water and cleaner just turns it to mud and clay,” volunteer Nancy Bettin said.

 

Board members agreed commercial epoxy floors for the rescue could no longer be considered a luxury. They were a necessity in order to provide a safe, clean environment for the cats and volunteers. Board members sent out requests for bids and eventually chose Tillotson Enterprises for the job. Other projects under consideration included bringing back the windows on the east side, painting the building exterior, updating sinks, counters and some appliances and adding cat perches and other forms of enrichment.

Homeless No More Cat Shelter 2

 

The total estimated cost for all these items and labor rounded up to approximately $40,000. The rescue was able to use about $20,000 in equity from their property for the work, but the board was still trying to figure out how to make all the desired projects happen.

 

“I was racking my brain trying to figure out how to finance the other half of the total, when I got the text from Kayla about an anonymous donor, who wanted to contribute money but wanted it to go toward a project. I had to re-read the text a couple of times to make sure I was seeing what I saw. I actually think it was a bona fide miracle,” board member Diane Schutt said.

 

With the final piece of the puzzle in place, plans started moving forward. The building’s exterior was painted in the summer of 2024 and the board continued to sketch out plans for the rest of the projects.

 

When window replacement on the east side looked like it might have to wait due to the estimated cost, the anonymous donor again stepped up and offered to pay for most of it. Fairbury Glass finished installation of two windows in December.

 

“The cats are loving the new windows. They are the new hot spots to watch birds from and track the outside world,” Gina Grone, HNM President said. “Of course, the real goal of all of this work is to create an enriched and healthy environment for the cats while they wait for their forever homes. That’s what we want for all of them.”

 

At any given time, the rescue houses between 60-70 cats, with some in foster homes in the community. Homeless No More Cat Rescue is a state-licensed, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Money for food and veterinary care comes from fundraisers and donations. All donations are tax-deductible, too.

 

The next phase of renovations begins Monday, Jan. 27 with the epoxy floor coating. The rescue is looking for dependable area residents to foster one or two cats in their home for two or three weeks while improvements are happening. Interested individuals may call or text 402-300-0073 to learn more. Potential fosters will be screened as well.

 

Volunteers are also needed at the rescue for both morning and evening shifts at the rescue. 

 

“Cat care and cleaning are never-ending jobs,” Schutt said. “We would welcome devoted and caring animal lovers to our team. The work is not always easy, but the rewards are great.”

 

Things are about to get much brighter for Homeless No More Cat Rescue and its feline charges. Just like the new windows, it is opening up a whole new world.