We’re a 501(c)(3) forever-home sanctuary for tortoises and turtles. This fundraiser builds the electrical infrastructure to keep 200+ lives warm and safe this winter—panels, circuits, conduit, GFCI/in-use covers, permits, and licensed labor—and finishes insulated houses. We already have $25,000 in Stanfield heat mats on site; funds do not buy mats. Goal: raise the first $30,000 in 7 days, with a total need of $35–40k for electricals + $10k for insulated houses. We receive no government funding—this happens only if the community powers it.

Who we are

Joshua Tree Reptile Haven is a 501(c)(3) forever-home sanctuary. We don’t adopt out; we do not breed; we provide lifelong care, proper housing, veterinary treatment, and a natural life for each animal we rescue. We do not take sponsorships; when we talk about equipment, it’s from experience, not advertising.

What happened & where we are now

In April, we moved to upgrade our electrical so every tortoise house can be safely heated this winter. We later learned the original panel wasn’t large enough and trenching requires county planning. We’ve hired a new licensed electrical contractor and begun the official permit process. Our focus is a code-compliant, animal-safe system that will not fail when it’s cold or stormy.

Meanwhile, we already secured $25,000 of Stanfield heat mats (on site and ready). What’s missing is the power to run them—safely, legally, across dozens of habitats.

Important: Donations fund infrastructure (panels, circuits, conduit, GFCI/in-use covers, permits, licensed labor) and insulated houses. We are not raising money to buy heat mats.

Goal & timeline

Immediate need: $30,000 in 7 days to start work (materials ordering and installs)

Total electrical need: $35,000–$40,000 (final amount depends on permit conditions)

Insulated houses: $10,000 to finish and insulate for winter

We receive no government funding. This project happens only if the community powers it.

Budget (estimated)

Service upgrade & subpanels – $8,500

Conduit/rigid runs, GFCI/in-use covers, hardware – $8,500

Wire, breakers, labeling – $5,000

Permit & inspection fees – $2,000

Professional labor (licensed contractor) – $9,000–$12,000

Insulated houses (materials) – $10,000

Contingency (materials volatility/change orders) – included in totals

How you can help

Heat a Habitat — $250

Adopt a Circuit — $500

Or give any amount—every dollar buys wire, conduit, breakers, permits, and licensed work

Please also share this page. Shares are fuel.

Updates you’ll see

We’ll post milestones as we go:

Materials ordered (photos)

Electrical installs in progress (photos)

Insulated houses finished (photos)

Final inspection passed (video)

First power-on video—thanking donors

FAQs

Are donations tax-deductible?

Yes. We’re a 501(c)(3). You’ll receive appropriate receipts via GoFundMe’s charity flow.

Do funds buy heat mats?

No. We already have $25,000 in mats on site. This campaign funds the infrastructure and insulated houses that make safe heat possible.

Why the 7-day push?

Cold nights are approaching, and payout cycles slow things down. Funding the first $30,000 in 7 days lets us start immediately.