I first learned of HCN when my wife and I adopted 2 kittens back in August 2002. A month later I had decided to become a volunteer because I was very concerned about all the homeless cats in our area. My first project as a volunteer was building the condo units for HCN's newly established Socialization Center in San Mateo. As a result of that project, I became the Center Coordinator and a few months later was asked to join the Board of Directors. In early 2003 I added the title of Treasurer to my HCN resume.

Over the next year I built a dozen feral feeding stations for Project Bay Cat and other HCN colonies located along the Peninsula.

And then I took over the role as manager of HCN's supporter data base as well as monitoring all emails sent to the HCN website.

Why has HCN become my passion?? That's easy given the fabulous people I work with in our organization who are all committed to helping the homeless cats of San Mateo County. Its a labor of love knowing how many formerly homeless cats we've placed in loving home and how we've managed to humanely reduce the feral population through our TNR efforts. And best of all is all the unconditional love the cats give back.

If anyone loves animals and want to make a difference, HCN is the place to volunteer!!

Pros: Wonderful group of volunteers

Cons: None

The Homeless Cat Network (HCN) has been very helpful with providing a temporary, caring support network for homeless cats in the San Mateo area. While it's not a true replacement for a real, loving home, it's amazing just how well cared for the cats are.

In many ways, the cats of the HCN are better treated than many pets are. They have their litter boxes cleaned multiple times a day, volunteers are regularly checking in on them and providing much needed attention multiple times a day, every day. The cats are provided with spacious living areas and numerous toys.

In an ideal world, places like the Homeless Cat Network wouldn't be necessary. But so long as there are homeless cats, having a location like the HCN to care for them helps a great deal.

Pros: Helpful, friendly set of volunteers, very caring

Cons: n/a

Project Bay Cat, an offshoot of the Homeless Cat Network, provides care and feeding of feral cats along the levee in Foster City. As a feeder (Wednesdays and Sundays), I am tasked assuring that the cats are receiving adequate food and medical care so that they can live out their lives in relative comfort. All the feeders work with each other to provide the best care possible. It is very rewarding program, and keeps me smiling every week!
Maggi Goodman
Foster City

Pros: Helping Foster City homeless cats

Cons: None

I've been an HCN volunteer for nearly three years. I've always wanted to do something for animals, and I've been very happy to work with this group do achieve that. The volunteers at HCN all have big hearts for animals and put in untold amounts of time trapping, neutering, and returning ferals; caring for ferals in managed colonies; helping kittens and abandoned cats in our area find loving homes; and helping educate the public about the humane treatment of all cats. It's an honor to be working with so many people who share the same values toward animals.

Pros: Committed, compassionate volunteers

Cons: Restricted to San Mateo County

These folks handle the high pressure job of saving lives very seriously. They are great to work with and they do their best. Lots of working hard in kitten season and placements are high! Good group

Pros: hiIgh energy group

Cons: none to speak of.