Jordan Ross knows the significance a pet can play in one’s life. It’s the reason he started Providence-based PetsEmpower Inc.
After graduating from college, Ross couldn’t find a job and couldn’t move home because it was a “bad situation.” He found himself homeless in Boston, searching for temporary housing. But most places wouldn’t take him in with his black lab, Jazz.
“I was unwilling to give him up,” Ross said.
That experience gave birth to PetsEmpower.org, a website that provides a multifaceted platform to raise funds, distribute grants and connect displaced pets with temporary foster homes throughout the country.
Ross originally thought to provide the services for those affected by domestic violence but quickly discovered other instances when people would be in need, including veteran and senior hospitalizations, addiction recovery, sudden job loss or foreclosures and natural disasters.
The nonprofit organization is piloting the program in Providence and Boston. •
