House Resolution 376
By: Representatives Gambill of the 15th, Chastain of the 7th, Carpenter of the 4th, Cooper of
the 45th, and Dempsey of the 13th
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending HOPE AACR (Animal-Assisted Crisis Response); and for
other purposes.
WHEREAS, HOPE AACR (Animal-Assisted Crisis Response) was incorporated as a
501(c)(3) in 2001 with the mission of providing comfort and encouragement to individuals
affected by crises and disasters through animal-assisted support; and
WHEREAS, consisting of highly trained handlers and crisis-response canines, HOPE AACR
teams are prepared to support mental health professionals on location and adapt to
unpredictable situations, often deploying on short notice; and
WHEREAS, HOPE AACR response teams are extensively trained in the Incident Command
System, First Aid/CPR for both humans and canines, emotional first aid techniques, and
trauma recognition, enabling them to respond effectively to emotionally and environmentally
intense situations; and
WHEREAS, the organization's teams work alongside local and national response agencies
such as Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster, FEMA, the National Organization for
Victim Advocacy, the Salvation Army, and the American Red Cross as well as with fire
departments, law enforcement agencies, schools, and the United States Secret Service, Coast
Guard, Navy, and National Guard; and
WHEREAS, in the aftermath of hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton, HOPE AACR
response teams deployed to the Florida State Operations Center in Tallahassee, supported
staff working at the FEMA Region IV Regional Response Coordination Center in Atlanta,
and assisted impacted communities in South Georgia; and
WHEREAS, in 2024 alone, HOPE AACR's Southeast Region logged close to 150 volunteer
hours and engaged in 1,200 meaningful interactions with Georgia disaster victims; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this outstanding organization be
appropriately honored.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body recognize and commend the volunteers and canines of HOPE
AACR (Animal-Assisted Crisis Response) for their dedicated, effective, and selfless service
on behalf of those in need as well as extend best wishes for continued success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to
HOPE AACR (Animal-Assisted Crisis Response).