By Julia Train
Following a series of heavy rainstorms, Kimmy’s Safe Haven Rescue in Egg Harbor City is grappling with extensive flooding, presenting urgent challenges for owner Kim Brown as she endeavors to care for the animals on the premises.
Brown, who commenced her journey in fostering and volunteering with rescues in 2013, established the 501(c)(3) organization in 2016 with a heartfelt mission to save and support animals in need.
“I just wanted to save animals and help them, and in the meantime, while I was saving them, they helped me and saved my life,” reflected Brown.
Residing with her husband and two children at the front of the property, Brown expanded her residence to accommodate the farm and rescue center further back when she initiated the charity.
Despite investing $1,000 out of their own pockets to mitigate the impact of the torrential rains by relocating animals to higher ground, rebuilding fencing, and reinforcing barn structures, the highest parts of their property succumbed to flooding, nullifying their repair efforts.
With over 40 animals comprising farm animals, rescue animals, and personal pets, including pigs, goats, turkeys, cats, chickens, roosters, and 12 dogs, the property is submerged in several feet of water, hindering mobility and access to essential resources.
“Our cats can’t navigate the property without getting stuck in the mud, and our dogs are confined to their pens,” lamented Brown.
Repairing the damage necessitates pumping out water and implementing gravel and trenches, tasks exacerbated by the nonprofit’s limited funding. With annual expenditures ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 to sustain animal welfare, Brown and her husband confront financial constraints that preclude acquiring vital equipment like a tractor or skid steer to expedite labor.
Resilient in the face of adversity, Brown employs manual tools—a shovel and a wheelbarrow—to address the crisis, supplemented by intermittent assistance from her husband and assistant, both balancing full-time employment commitments.
“If there’s daylight, I’m out there. It’s an overwhelming and time-consuming endeavor,” shared Brown.
Urgently appealing for assistance, Brown implores the community to contribute donations, resources, or volunteer hours to facilitate essential tasks such as spreading stone, feeding and watering animals, and exercising dogs.
“Now I’m just desperate. I’m in need of help. I don’t know what else to do. I can’t manage this alone anymore. I’m at risk of shutting down, and that’s not an outcome I can accept,” she expressed passionately.
For those wishing to extend support, donate, adopt, foster, or learn more about the rescue, please visit kimmyssafehavenrescue.com.
