Dr Kwane Stewart, the CNN Hero of the Year, Providing Compassionate Care to Homeless Pets
Dr Kwane Stewart, CNN's 2023 Hero of the Year, selflessly cares for the pets of homeless individuals through Project Street Vet, his nonprofit providing vital medical care to homeless pets A compassionate crusader, he amplifies awareness and spreads hope
Dr. Kwane Stewart, a veterinarian, has been named the 2023 CNN Hero of the Year for his nonprofit, Project Street Vet, which offers medical care to the pets of individuals experiencing homelessness. He was chosen by online voters from this year's Top 10 CNN Heroes.
Stewart expressed, "I've always dreamed of being a veterinarian since I was a kid. I feel so fortunate to be able to do what I love." His work in the community began over ten years ago when he decided to spontaneously check on a homeless man's dog outside a 7-11 where he regularly visits for coffee.
Stewart's treatment of the dog's skin condition resulted in a remarkable transformation. The man's gratitude served as a powerful reminder for Stewart: "Thank you for not ignoring me" were the words that inspired his next chapter, he said. "It doesn't matter what your situation is. I see a pet in need and a person who cares for them dearly, and just needs some help," Stewart reflected.
Stewart, the CNN Hero of the Year, will receive $100,000 to further his work and will be honored as an Elevate Prize winner, receiving $300,000 in unrestricted funding and resources from The Elevate Prize Foundation.
In addition, the top 10 CNN Heroes honored at the gala will each receive a $10,000 cash award and donation-matching up to $50,000 from The Elevate Prize Foundation. All honorees will also be supported with organizational and capacity-building assistance from the foundation.
I just wanted my own little crusade
After working in a county shelter in Northern California for several years, Stewart contemplated leaving his job in 2011. Despite dreaming of rescuing animals, he found himself having to euthanize a growing number of surrendered animals.
"The recession led to an influx of abandoned pets, as people struggled to afford their care," Stewart, 53, lamented. "It began to take a toll on my spirit, to the point where I considered leaving the veterinary field altogether."
He found himself at a crossroads, feeling the pressure to reduce euthanasia rates and boost adoptions, while also grappling with the overwhelming number of animals being surrendered to the shelter.
After encountering a homeless man and his dog outside the 7-11, Project Street Vet was born.
"That moment was a turning point for me. I decided to dedicate myself to helping animals, on my own terms and out of passion, not for payment."
Stewart explained, "It was my way of finding healing. Maybe some of it was due to guilt, or maybe some of it was just my desire to embark on my own personal crusade."
Shortly thereafter, Stewart expanded his outreach efforts by establishing small drop-in clinics to offer medical care to pets whose owners were unable to afford it. He also took to the streets to seek out unhoused individuals whose pets were in need of assistance. He was immediately moved by the deep love and care that the pet owners showed towards their beloved animals.
Spreading the word
"They spend every hour of the day together. Their connection and bond is extraordinary," Stewart said. "Just because they don't live in a conventional home doesn't mean they are any less of pet parents. Pets don't care about fancy furniture and a large house, they just want to be with you."
Many pet owners were eager to share their stories of their dogs and their shared history. With their permission, Stewart's brother, Ian, started recording some of these stories in order to bring attention to the issue of animal welfare and homelessness.
"They face a lot of criticism, especially from those outside the community. But I've witnessed people sacrifice their last meal for their pet, and even those with only $3 to their name will try to give me that $3 after the treatment," Stewart explained.
Inspired by his brother, he began spreading the word and collaborating with others to provide care for street animals, and before long, more animal welfare professionals who shared the same values joined the cause.
Genesis Rendon, a registered veterinary nurse whom Stewart refers to as his "right-hand," has been dedicated to the veterinary field for almost twenty years. She was already involved in her own street outreach efforts when she joined forces with him in 2016.
Stewart and other Project Street Vet doctors can treat about 80% of animals out of a small portable kit.
CNN
She currently serves as the lead volunteer for Project Street Vet and frequently accompanies Stewart to homeless camps and Los Angeles Skid Row to help animals in need. "Now it's expanding nationwide," Stewart explained. "I'm establishing a reliable network of volunteers and connecting with technicians from hospitals and clinics that we can rely on. These are individuals who have expressed their admiration for our work and are eager to join our cause."
Stewart states that they are able to treat approximately 80% of the cases they encounter using a compact portable kit. The treatments provided encompass antibiotics, vaccines, anti-inflammatories, deworming, and flea and tick medications.
Describing their approach as "boots on the ground," Stewart emphasized that their team also works to link animals in need with clinic services. "Additionally, whenever possible, we advocate for or aid individuals in having their animals spayed and neutered," Stewart added.
Stewart's work with Project Street Vet is entirely voluntary, and the organization has grown to serve other cities, such as Orlando and Atlanta.
"It doesn't matter what your circumstances are or what your background or history is. When I see a pet in need, and a person who deeply cares for them but just needs some assistance, I'm there to help. And it's completely free of charge for them."
Stewart and his volunteer teams have provided care to thousands of animals, bringing hope and dignity to their human caregivers. "I have to say, the people I've encountered who have pets while living on the streets are some of the most remarkable pet owners I've ever met," he remarked.
Feel inspired to lend a hand? You have the opportunity to contribute to Stewart's Project Street Vet and the nonprofit organizations of the Top 10 CNN Heroes on CNNHeroes.com. The Elevate Prize Foundation will match donations made through the website, up to $50,000 per Hero.
