Accessible Aviary for Disabled Pigeons & Caretaker

This fundraiser is organized by PIGEONS FOR MILES SANCTUARY AND RESCUE.

Tax deductible

PIGEONS FOR MILES SANCTUARY AND RESCUE is a 501c3 nonprofit specifically for special-needs avians, especially pigeons, with the goal to also rehab wild, migratory, and releasable birds in the future.

(Rescued fancy pigeon Munchkin, a permanent sanctuary resident with special needs)

Pigeons for Miles Sanctuary and Rescue was born out of necessity after rescuing an injured and lost racing pigeon, Miles. Miles was found in Albany, NY wearing racing bands that indicate he was originally from Canada. These long distance races are common and often see many casualties.

When it came time to find a sanctuary for Miles to spend his days safely retired from the cruel racing industry, it became immediately apparent how little individual care and consideration is given to pigeons, even within a "rescue" setting. Most of the sanctuaries I visited were hoarders, and I made a promise to Miles that I would do everything in my power to give him the best life possible.

(Miles, just after being rescued in June 2022)

I wound up eventually adopting him a mate, and finally locating a sanctuary that would take him once winter had passed, but it was all the way in North Carolina. The sanctuary wound up closing down before I could get him and his mate Pip transported, and I decided the perfect forever home for Miles would be with me; but it meant leaving everything behind and starting over, to give him the life I had promised him.

(Miles and Pip, 2023)

In 2023 I left Albany, NY for the Hudson Valley, where I moved to join forces with an already established sanctuary. Here I was told I would be able to build an aviary, and even rescue more pigeons. Upon relocating, I found out the "sanctuary" was actually just a front for organized crime (I wish I was joking), and shortly after, the owner went to Riker's Island, abandoning all the animals formerly in his care. I was left with less than a month to relocate, which seemed impossible with my animal family members, but we managed to stay together.

Unfortunately, since the move had to be on such short notice and with such specific standards, I was left with little choices. The only viable option with an existing barn for the flock turned out to be a literal slum house, which wound up having excessive levels of airborne toxic mold in the bathroom. After living there for less than a year, I was hospitalized due to coughing up blood, and for other symptoms which I am still being treated for. Because the landlord refused to correct the issue, I was again forced to move on extremely short notice.

(An environmental testing report from my former residence)

This time, I very luckily found a beautiful home to rent with an incredibly kind landlord willing to let me build a loft for my flock. In the end, we made it out safely, but the toll this has taken on me financially is one I will probably never recover from. Despite all this and during these lowest points and many setbacks along the way, I still worked towards my goal of forming a nonprofit. Pigeons for Miles Sanctuary and Rescue is now a registered 501c3 nonprofit, as of December 2024.

(All donations made are tax deductible)

Prior to this last move, I was not struggling the way that I am currently. Running a small but fully self-funded animal sanctuary as a disabled person means I have been picking and choosing which of my bills to skip each month, just to ensure my animals have everything they need first. It is terrifying having no savings or safety net, knowing that just one emergency could destroy everything.

(Sanctuary ambassador Mochi, who survived an event release in Brooklyn and broken wing)

At present, the main issue at hand is the temporary loft space which was built to accommodate the move of our flock of 20, half of whom are special needs permanent residents at the Sanctuary. This loft, while having served it's purpose, is increasingly becoming problematic due to myself, the sole caretaker, also having physical disabilities. The stairs are unsafe, the structure is cumbersome and difficult to access, and it's overall too small to be permanent.

(The dangerous steps to get in and out of the loft)

(Some of the flock inside the loft; although they are safe and happy, they deserve better)

This GoFundMe seeks to raise $5,000 to fund a new, larger, and fully accessible loft space, which will not only allow the special needs residents to thrive, but for myself to be able to best care for them as well. I have applied for grants to fund this project, however as a brand new Sanctuary, most funders are unwilling to help us. Your support is immensely appreciated and all donations are fully tax deductible (EIN 99-4839612) and receipts are always provided.

Alternatively, if you or someone you know may be interested in donating and building an aviary in lieu of financial support, please reach out to me directly by sending and email through this campaign.

Thank you for everything, especially and including; reading my short life story, considering helping us during this incredibly difficult time when truly everyone is struggling, and for caring about pigeons, who truly have no help at all and deserve so much more.