Is there any way to help this guy? (Chicago burbs)

I met a very nice man today who is in a bad situation. He and his five cats live in an old pick-up truck and have been for a while now. He lost his job, lost his home and has been living in the truck ever since. The poor guy spent the whole winter in there. The cats live in the back of the truck and considering the circumstances seem to be doing pretty well. All of them look healthy and seem well adjusted. The oldest one is 9-years old and the other ones are close to that age and he's had them all since they were kittens. He clearly loves them and if it wasn't for the cats I'm sure he wouldn't be living in the truck. It's one thing to find a place for one person but no shelter will accept a guy and his five cats.

I don't think it would be in the best interest of the cats to go to a shelter or be placed in another home. They've been family for a long time and as bad as it is they are much better off than many other cats, including those in traditional shelters. But I do worry about them in the back of that truck. It's going to be 97 degrees tomorrow and 94 on Monday and there is no AC in the truck. He has a fan in the back for the cats but I wonder if it will be enough when it gets that hot. He says that he parks in the shade but even the shade is going to be really hot in the next two days.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to help the man and his cats? I was thinking about offering him to bring the cats to my place to stay in my spare room during the hot hours but I don't think he would go for that. After all he doesn't know me. I don't want to be too intrusive either. Is there any way to keep a truck like that cool enough on a hot day?

The guy said that he had just got a job and is hopeful to get a home soon but that won't be easy with five cats. Does anyone know of any programs in the northwest suburbs of Chicago to help in such situations? Any ideas? I just feel so bad for the kitties having to live in that tiny space with the heat.

There are special fans that they make for vans and trucks that are used for handlers at dog shows, they keep the vehicle cool while the dogs have to stay in there. I'm thinking that they're pretty pricy though and something that you would have to special order, so shipping could take awhile. 

Here are a few products that might help:

Fans, covers, etc: http://www.ventlock.com/

Cooling blankets - you fill them with water and they're supposed to stay cool for a few hours: http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/Canine-Cooler-Dog-Bed/208000.aspx

More cooling blankets, collars, etc: http://northcoastpets.com/cooling_products.htm

If you're comfortable with having him in your home, it wouldn't hurt to offer. You never know what someone might say in this type of situation. There was a busker that had travelled from BC to London on his bike with his dog back in the winter. They would sleep in parks and whatnot at night and then spend most of the day busking to get money. They'd get a hotel room once or twice a week. We offered him a place to stay, the first time he politely declined (he had just met us, so understandable) but we ran into him again a few days later and offered again, he accepted and ended up staying with us for 3 or 4 days. He was very appreciative and even offered us $50 for having him, we declined as he could use the money more than us. He ended up subletting a place just a few blocks from us for a few months before moving onto the next city. 

Wow, what a kitty hero this guy.... I am proud of him for not giving up on his family.... Many would just let the kitties go to a shelter and gone to a shelter themselves.... While he has given up on everything to keep his entire family together - he is a special man
I hope they get out of this situation quickly, his job works out, and he gets a place to stay fast!

Carolina said:

Wow, what a kitty hero this guy.... I am proud of him for not giving up on his family.... Many would just let the kitties go to a shelter and gone to a shelter themselves.... While he has given up on everything to keep his entire family together - he is a special man
I hope they get out of this situation quickly, his job works out, and he gets a place to stay fast!

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OMG what in incredible story. AND yes - it is extremely hot here in Chicago. Just got home from Door County and saw this thread. I will call Jane - AHS feline shelter director and see if she has any fosters that could take the cats until he gets on his feet. There is also PAWS in Chicago. What we need to find is a temporary foster home. :nod: Will see if I can come up with anything. This man truly loves his cats - they ARE his family. You have a wonderful heart - trying to help this man. I surely hope he can find a safe place for his five kitties, together.