After decades of hope, the Washington Area Humane Society has finally raised enough money to turn its vision into a reality. 

The group will be constructing a new facility through the “New Home, New Hope” campaign. 

Kelly Proudfit, executive director, said the new building is coming into fruition thanks to several generous donors, in addition to many fundraisers. Construction is expected to be completed by next June. 

“The new building will be located in the back of the property our current building is on,” said Proudfit. “Once the new building is complete, the old building will be demolished.” 

One of the biggest additions to the new building is a larger floor plan that will give the animals space to “thrive and play.” The new facility will also have accommodations for new and improved resources to help rescue abused and neglected animals. 

Another one of the facility’s unique features will be the Donor Wall. The wall will be one of the main points of attraction in the “community room” of the building. 

According to the WAHS’ website, all donations of more than $100 will be recognized on the wall with animal identification tags. The tags will be handcrafted by local artisans. 

“Each donor name will be inscribed on a tag hung on the wall, much like the tags that help us make sure that a lost animal finds its way back home,” said Proudfit. 

There will be three levels of tags represented by color and the amount of the gift to Washington Area Humane Society. The purple tag, called the “Faithful Friend” tag is for donations between $100 and $250. The second level of tag is a silver one called the “Loyal Companion” tag which is reserved for donations between $250 and $500. The final tag, the gold tag, is for the largest gifts to the Humane Society, called the “Guardian Angel” tag, which commemorates a donation of between $500 and $1000. 

However, donations aren’t the only opportunity to donors have to get their name displayed in the new facility. 

As stated on the WAHS website: “The New Home, New Hope campaign provides a number of ways to create a permanent legacy for yourself or your loved ones by naming a space within the new facility. With a naming opportunity, your generous gift to this campaign can also be a fitting tribute to a loved one.” 

According to Proudfit, the facility will house a maximum capacity of 60 dogs and 60 cats along with the veterinary resources the current building has access to. 

“We are so thankful to finally be able to be having this new facility built,” said Proudfit, “and that’s thanks mostly in part to our generous donors.” 

There are other opportunities to help support WAHS and anyone interested can reach out to Kelly@washingtonpashelter.org for more information in regards to pledges, matching gifts, gifts of stock, retirement funds and requests.