Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation is well on its way to having a new shelter for the island’s homeless pet population.

It’s taken years of fundraising and a lot of community support to reach to this point.

While things are moving along quickly, more support is needed to finish the job.

With the help of businesses and residents, WAIF is about a half-million dollars from reaching its capital fund goal, and fund-raisers for the nonprofit organization say they hope to hit that goal by summer’s end.

WAIF recently received a $25,000 grant from one local business, and Payless Foods in Freeland is currently running a campaign with a promise to match donations up to a total of $50,000.

The Payless Foods campaign continues through April 15.

The new shelter is a much-needed addition for the organization, which is replacing its small, outdated Coupeville shelter that was never intended to serve as a permanent facility.

The new shelter will almost triple the available space for cats, accommodating as many as 150 felines and will have enough kennels to hold 48 dogs.

The new facility will also include six acres for walking shelter dogs and provide them with a place to play.

Founded in 1990, the nonprofit organization operates several animal facilities and two thrift stores on Whidbey Island.

The minimal-kill facility aids in the welfare and adoption of hundreds of homeless animals each year.

No animals are euthanized because of space considerations.

While WAIF is actively working to hit their established goal for the capital facilities, the agency still needs assistance with daily operations.

Thrift stores in Oak Harbor and Freeland help in supporting operations.

You can help this worthwhile organization by donating items as well as patronizing the WAIF stores.

If you want to help, but don’t have the money, think about donating items during spring cleaning this year.

Every contribution helps.

Whidbey Island is fortunate to have an organization like WAIF serving such an important need in the community.