Helping Hands Humane Society, Inc. (HHHS) of Topeka and Dillon Stores will join together for a unique partnership to further the highly anticipated expansion plans for a new animal shelter in the community.

This partnership is part of HHHS' mission to provide an accessible sanctuary for animals in need of compassionate care and adoption services to responsible homes.  Additionally, the partnership is part of Dillon Stores “Neighbor to Neighbor” commitment to support grass-root community organizations.

Additional funds are still needed to complete our new building project.  It’s not too late to make your contribution to help the homeless animals in our community.

Future Plans for Helping Hands Humane Society

A new home for the animals –

In 1973, a new shelter was built for HHHS.  At that time almost 5,000 animals a year were brought to the shelter.  Thirty-seven years later that number has doubled to nearly 10,000 animals a year.  As a result of this increase and the drastic building repairs needed due to the wear and tear of more than 250,000 total animals and thousands of visitors, it has been determined that a new shelter is desperately needed.

In August 2009, HHHS announced the purchase of the Dillons grocery store building at 21st and Belle in Topeka. This acquisition will become the new animal shelter for the capital city. Known as Helping Hands Humane Society at Dillons Crossing, this new state of the art animal care facility will focus on animal well- being, education and socialization of the animals.

The new facility will feature:
   -More space for improved animal care
   -Improved kennel areas
   -New clinical areas
   -New outdoor exercise yard
   -Improved public areas 
   -Will feature new integrated elements to help lessen 
    stress & new air handling units to reduce disease

What’s happening now?

This $5 million retro-fit construction inside the Dillons store will be done in phases.  Phase 1 is underway at a cost of $1.5 million. 

All of the inside demolition has been completed to prepare for the new rooms that will be built. The floors will be sawed and trenched for new water lines and drainage systems in the kennel areas.  Once the trenches are finished, a new floor will be poured. 

The HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) has been ordered and will be placed into operation before winter to allow us to keep the water lines from freezing and insure that construction can continue in the winter months.  The outside walls will all be re-insulated before winter to help control the utility costs.  A new coat of paint will be applied to the outside of the building after all joints and masonry work is completed.  This will give us a tight – ready building for inside construction. 

“This location at 21st & Belle is perfect for our use,” said Bill Acree, HHHS Executive Director.  “This existing site saves us considerable expense and brings us to a new higher traffic location with much greater exposure every day.  It will give us everything we need to help take great care of the animals waiting for a new home.”

HHHS needs an additional $3 million to complete the new facility.  The Campaign Committee is continuing to contact individuals and companies to ask for their help.  Please check out the sponsorship naming opportunities of areas that are still available in the new shelter.

If you have any questions or would like to visit about purchasing a naming opportunity please contact Bill Acree, Executive Director 785.233.7325 or billa@hhhstopeka.org.