This article was featured in WYDaily on 5/19/23.

The Greater Williamsburg community answered the call when The Heritage Humane Society asked for funds during the recent Give Local 757 for a new roof. As of May 19, the professionals of Greater Hampton Roads’ Pyramid Roofing replaced the original section’s roof, which houses the area’s largest group of homeless pets.

Every year, The Heritage Humane Society houses and/or meets the needs of thousands of area pets. Providing a safe, comfortable place for them as they wait for their forever homes is a priority. A safe haven includes a sound roof, one that is free of leaks and damage.

Putting donations immediately to work

As the roof over the shelter’s original section showed signs of aging and began creating issues, the shelter used this year’s Give Local 757 day to ask the community for help. This year, it was a 24-hour period spanning April 25 and 26. Thanks in advance to a few generous donors, there was a $30,000 challenge match. This meant that for every one dollar raised at Give Local 757, it was doubled to two dollars. By the end of the giving period, the community donated $56,841. The vast majority of it went directly to the new roof and the balance will be put to use later this year for a new shelter-wide sound system. The new sound system will greatly benefit homeless pets through soothing, calming music and voices since shelter environments are often stressful for pets waiting for their permanent homes.

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts

According to Derrick Worstell, Roofing Specialist with Pyramid Roofing, their team removed the old roof and worked quickly over 48 hours to replace the roof so there was minimal disturbance to the shelter pets and so the team could beat the forecasted rain. Pyramid Roofing’s professionals replaced four sheets of rotted plywood, installed more than 28,000 lbs of shingles and used more than 40,000 nails. New flashing was installed around 13 power-fan units, as well, which was a much-needed carryover.

“We are so grateful to the Greater Williamsburg community for choosing to donate locally to The Heritage Humane Society and ultimately providing our homeless pets and the staff and volunteers who work every day of the year to tirelessly care for them by helping us get a much-needed new roof,” shares Kimberly Laska, Executive Director of The Heritage Humane Society. “We thank Pyramid Roofing for working so diligently in replacing our roof and doing so with great care since homeless pets were still in the shelter.”

Adoption Center reopens Fri., May 19

The Heritage Humane Society reopens its Adoption Center today after temporarily closing it for the roof replacement project. The decision to reduce visitation allowed the shelter’s pets to acclimate to the new noises they were hearing while allowing staff and volunteers to focus on soothing them while also deep cleaning.

With the new roof complete, the Adoption Center is open once again. The Heritage Humane Society has more than 220 dogs, cats and small pets currently in their care. Adoptable pets are available to meet during The Heritage Humane Society’s visiting and adopting hours from 12 to 4:30 p.m., Tues. through Sun.

To learn more, visit HeritageHumane.org, call 757-221-0150, or visit The Heritage Humane Society located at 430 Waller Mill Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

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