Monica Marie Hnatiuk, a junior studying social work at the University of Michigan-Flint, recently founded Sanctuary Paws Alliance (SPA), a nonprofit organization aimed at assisting individuals and their pets during periods of housing instability, hospitalization, or other crises that temporarily separate people from their pets.
Hnatiuk’s interest in both human welfare and animal care emerged before she enrolled at UM-Flint and deepened during her first semester. “My first semester here, I immediately started looking at homelessness and pets and that intersection,” Hnatiuk said. “Every single assignment has kind of focused or geared towards that in one way or another.”
SPA is designed to prevent the permanent surrender or abandonment of companion animals by providing temporary foster care and support. The group seeks to help people who are unable to keep their pets with them due to hospitalizations, housing instability, dorm living, or moves to locations where pets are not initially allowed.
Hnatiuk said the issue is broad; people may refuse housing or services if it means parting with a pet. “Our mission is to look at what prevents people from bringing their pets with them, what leads to abandonment, and how we can create solutions,” she said.
The nonprofit is building a network of trained foster volunteers and exploring partnerships with local organizations such as Michigan Humane. Its goal is to offer practical support pathways, including temporary foster placement, partnerships with veterinary clinics, and community referrals. Students and community members who volunteer will be given training on animal health and behavior, and Hnatiuk encourages involvement from UM-Flint students across all majors.
SPA is currently focused on Macomb County and the surrounding areas, with plans to expand as the organization grows.
“Progress is progress, and each step forward is impactful for our community,” she said.
SPA welcomes volunteers from UM-Flint and the wider community. For information or to participate, individuals can contact Monica Marie Hnatiuk directly.
“Monica’s dedication to her education shines both in and out of the classroom, and her non-profit is a great example of this. I am confident that Monica will continue to bring her thoughtfulness, creativity, and compassion to her non-profit in the same way that she does in her assignments and interactions in our social work classes. She has been a joy to work with as a student, and I know that she will continue to do amazing things in her non-profit role.”
