about us

My name is Helen Lam, and for more than fifteen years, I have dedicated myself to supporting unhoused individuals and their companion animals. My journey began at a homeless shelter in Bellingham, WA, where I volunteered regularly. There, I witnessed something profound: people arriving with their pets - often their only source of unconditional love, comfort, and emotional support. These pets were not "just animals." They were family, offering stability and companionship during the harshest moments of their owners' lives.

The Reality That Inspired My Mission

While volunteering, I saw the same painful challenges again and again:

• Lack of pet food, forcing owners to share their own meals and go hungry.
• Lack of veterinary care, leaving sick and injured pets untreated and suffering.
• Lack of financial means leaves the majority of unhoused pets without vaccinations, making them vulnerable to preventable diseases such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus.

One moment changed me forever. Over fifteen years ago, an unhoused woman came to the shelter with her limping puppy. She had reached out to several nonprofits, but none could assist with veterinary costs. I watched her leave with her injured dog - heartbroken, alone, and without support.

That moment stayed with me. I made a quiet promise: I would do everything I could to help people like her and the pets they love.

Why I Created Love2Hope

For years, I funded this mission entirely on my own - buying pet food, supplies, and covering veterinary expenses from my personal savings. I visited places like Tiny Homes, Base Camp, encampments, and other places throughout Bellingham to deliver care directly to the people and their pets who needed it most.

But as the need grew, my savings grew thinner. I became afraid that I would not be able to continue this mission on my own. That fear - and the deep concern that unhoused individuals and their pets could not get the help they desperately needed - led me to create Love2Hope. I created Love2Hope hoping the public would support this work and to help raise awareness of the difficult situation faced by unhoused people and their beloved pets who often have nowhere else to turn.

Why Your Support Matters

Your generosity makes it possible for Love2Hope to:

• Provide veterinary care and vaccinations
• Distribute pet food and essential supplies
• Offer food, water, hygiene items, and warm clothing to pet owners
• Support vulnerable people and their pets they love

Every contribution - large or small - becomes real care, real comfort, and real hope for someone who needs it.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and thank you for standing with Love2Hope.

With gratitude,

Helen Lam

Founder, Love2Hope