Inflation raises fundraising goal for new Cedar Valley Humane Society facility

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) — The Cedar Valley Humane Society says rising costs due to inflation have impacted its original fundraising goal for a new facility. The shelter plans to add a multipurpose building on site, as well as an expansion for a new adoption center. The project was initially estimated at a total cost of $4 million.

“Four million seemed reasonable, but as we get closer to the first stage, we find that the material costs are a little higher, the delivery times are a lot longer,” explained Lonnie Viner, executive director of the Cedar Valley Humane Society.

They estimate that they will end up needing over $5 million to complete the project.

“We’re about three quarters of the way there, and we know we’re going to hit our target,” Viner said.

Delays in obtaining building materials also pushed the timeline back a few months, from the first shovel in March to now in May.

Despite the changes, the shelter thanks the community for its support and numerous donations.

“It’s so inspiring,” Viner said.

The current building is over 50 years old and hasn’t had a major renovation since the 1980s. Space is tight as they see about 4-5,000 animals a year and do about 2,000 adoptions.

“We’re facing a lot of challenges this year with things falling apart and you know band-aid situations, and we’re so excited to have a new building,” said Amanda Knefley, operations manager at Cedar Valley. Humane Society.

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