The Shelter Project That Built a Community
In North Mitrovica and Zvečan, stray animals have long been a silent part of the streetscape—sometimes ignored, sometimes feared, but always there. For Vesna Generalovic, seeing those animals out in the cold was more than a daily sight; was a serious concern, not just for animal welfare, but public health and community well-being. She didn’t come with a blueprint, but she came with a fierce determination to build more than just shelters—she wanted to build a community. This required structure, coordination, and community engagement.
Building Something That Didn’t Exist Yet
Vesna wasn’t an expert in urban planning or public health. She didn’t run a foundation. What she had was a deep sense of responsibility and a vision she couldn’t ignore: to create a safe, humane solution that served both animals and people. But like many local changemakers, she needed more than compassion—she needed support.
A Grant, A Plan, A Community
Through targeted funding and guidance, the Resource Centre for Civil Society supported Vesna and her initiative Roof for Paws with a €5,000 grant from the EURC Volunteerism Program, as well as mentorship in project planning, volunteer coordination, and impact tracking. The transformation was both physical and social. With the help of dozens of volunteers, Vesna led the construction of weatherproof shelters to protect stray animals from the elements, while also promoting responsible pet ownership and environmental awareness.
The project created an inclusive space for collaboration, engaging youth, skilled workers, and concerned citizens alike. The result was more than shelter—it was a community-driven model of volunteerism and civic engagement.
“This project has made a lasting impact in our community by demonstrating that even small, grassroots initiatives—when led with heart and supported with timely logistical and professional assistance—can create meaningful change. One of our biggest achievements has been raising awareness about more humane and responsible ways of caring for stray animals. The dog houses we built are not just physical shelters—they’ve become symbols of compassion and shared responsibility.”
— Vesna Generalovic, founder of Roof for Paws
Not Just for Animals
The result was visible: real, weatherproof shelters built across key public areas, providing protection for dozens of stray animals through harsh winters and scorching summers. But the real change was subtler—and stronger. Young people got involved, bringing energy and ideas. Skilled tradespeople offered their time, sometimes teaching others along the way. People who had never spoken across ethnic lines before were suddenly collaborating to hammer, lift, and plan. It was a kind of community building that had nothing to do with meetings, and everything to do with a shared purpose.
“Volunteer engagement, both during the building phase and afterwards, was deeply inspiring. People of all ages came together around a common cause, many of them participating in community action for the first time. Although we faced challenges—several dog houses were stolen—one of them was recovered thanks to the determination and effort of the volunteers, highlighting the strong sense of ownership and care this initiative fostered.” – Vesna Generalovic
A Shelter—and a Signal
“Roof for Paws” is more than a local project. It’s a reminder of what happens when civic energy is trusted, guided, and resourced. It shows that when people and organisations are supported to act on what they care about, volunteerism becomes a force for connection, not just charity.
“Personally, this experience has been incredibly rewarding. I’m proud of the impact we’ve made, and I believe this model should be replicated in other municipalities. With broader volunteer mobilisation and systemic support, we can do much more to address the urgent and worsening situation of stray animals in Kosovo. I truly believe that this approach is not only part of the solution, but also a message—that we, as a society, are capable of doing better, and doing it more humanely.” — Vesna Generalovic
Finally, Vesna isn’t “done” with this project. As she stated: “We’re ready to continue supporting everyone who needs help, and we deeply appreciate each person who has contributed—or will contribute—in any way, no matter how small. Every effort counts. This project has shown me how much can be achieved when people come together for a shared purpose. Together, we can truly make a difference.”
This story was produced in coordination with the Kosovo Resource Centre for Civil Society.