Phase II Update
Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter would like to provide the community
with an update on the progress of our new shelter project at 127 Armsdale Road.
First and foremost, the project has not stopped.
Phase I of construction has been successfully completed. The shelter received its
Commonwealth Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funds and has repaid
the $1 million bridge loan that was used to complete the initial phase of construction.
As we move into Phase II, our focus is securing the final financing necessary to complete
the building's interior and prepare the facility for occupancy. The Phase II budget is
approximately $3.1 million. Funding sources include $1 million in RACP funding,
approximately $500,000 in funds raised through donations and grants, and a proposed
USDA financing package for the remaining balance.
The shelter submitted its finalized USDA application materials in June 2026. In August,
USDA notified Orphans of the Storm that the project was eligible to move into the final
phase of the loan review and closing process. Since that time, the shelter has completed
additional requirements requested during the review process, including updated
environmental testing, updated financial projections, and other documentation.
One remaining requirement is an updated appraisal. Because the original appraisal has
expired and animal shelters are highly specialized facilities, obtaining a new appraisal has
proven more challenging and time-consuming than anticipated. USDA has recently
provided additional guidance to assist us in identifying qualified appraisers, and we are
actively pursuing multiple avenues to satisfy this requirement.
In parallel, the shelter continues to work with its architect and project team to evaluate
cost-saving opportunities where possible, while maintaining the standards necessary for a
safe, modern animal shelter.
We understand that community members have questions when they see the project site.
While portions of the interior have not yet been completed, the exterior construction and
infrastructure accomplished during Phase I represent significant progress. The next phase
of construction cannot proceed until financing and regulatory requirements are finalized.
Although we cannot provide a projected closing date at this time, we want the community
to know that the project remains active. Our contractor and project team stand ready to
move forward as soon as final approvals are received.
This project represents the future of animal welfare in our region. The new facility will allow
Orphans of the Storm to better serve homeless animals and the people who care about
them for generations to come.
We recognize that this has been a longer and more complex process than anyone
anticipated. Specialized animal care facilities must meet extensive construction,
regulatory, and funding requirements, and we remain committed to navigating those
challenges responsibly and transparently.
We are deeply grateful for the patience, encouragement, and support of our donors,
volunteers, and community members. We will continue providing updates as significant
milestones are reached.
For more information about the project or to support the new shelter campaign, please
contact:
Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter 11878 State Route 85 Kittanning, PA 1620; (724)
