WELCOME TO OUR HOMELESS
KITTY HAVEN

Discover our heartwarming journey!

Our Organization

Welcome to Charlie’s Kitty Kat Sanctuary on the AQUASITA, a 509(a)(2) & 501(c)(3) non-profit cat rescue, also known as Homeless Kitty Haven. Founded by Franco Antonio Blanco, Owner/Chef of the House of Food Porn Restaurant in Little Haiti, Miami, in honor of Mr. Charles Marshall, a pioneer feeder, rescuer and cat lover in the Little Haiti, Miami Community who’s untimely passing in 2020 left a community filled with homeless, hungry helpless cats. Our sanctuary continues his legacy by providing a safe haven for our beloved feline friends from the Little Haiti Community where Charlie lived and fed over 150 kitties daily.The unforeseen journey originally began on the streets of Little Haiti in Miami, Florida 2016 when Chef Franco met Charlie Marshall while Charlie was on one of his feeding routes around the neighborhood. The selflessness and love for animals that Charlie Marshall displayed really moved Chef Franco is what led Chef to assist Charlie with feeding, spaying and neutering stray cats that were coming around the back of the restaurant.After Charlie’s untimely passing in 2020 from Lung Cancer, Chef Franco, along with other amazing and dedicated feeders, rescuers and cat lovers, who took on the daunting task of feeding the insurmountable amount of cats Charlie would feed on a daily basis.The Mission since has become simple, to Spay and Neuter all the Cats in the neighborhood and to find “FURRREVER” loving home for New Kittens Rescues and Seniors that deserve a loving home their last few years of their lives.In 2021, we took a bold step forward by leasing an old coin laundry in Little Haiti, directly across from Chef's restaurant. This place was meant to be a safe haven, a space where a coin laundry would serve the community in the front, while the back would transform into a multifunctional Cat Café. But our dreams were crushed. Sabotaged by a landlord who delayed construction and offered inadequate lease terms, the project quickly spiraled into a nightmare. After a grueling year and a half of trying to gather the necessary funds to bring this vision to life, Chef was left with no choice but to vacate the premises, devastated and financially drained, with a loss exceeding $100,000. Even more heartbreaking was the fate of 16 precious felines of all ages and genders, already rescued, now left in limbo as our dream crumbled before our eyes.It was then that our Cat Sanctuary location shifted from the Coin Laundry to our AQUASITA HOUSEBOAT where offering them a second chance at life to the Homeless Kitties of Little Haiti has become our priority. Now nestled in the Florida Keys, our cats enjoy a paradise surrounded by Dolphins and Manatees and nature, while our Mission and efforts in spaying/neutering and fostering kitties in Little Haiti, continues to thrive with the support of our present and future donors.Join us in our mission to rescue and care for adorable stray cats from the bustling streets of Little Haiti, Miami, providing them with a cozy refuge at Homeless Kitty Haven on the AQUASITA HOUSEBOAT at Casa Blanco in Key Largo, Florida.Together, let’s change lives. Your donation can turn a desperate meow into a purring symphony of gratitude, ensuring every cat finds love and safety at Homeless Kitty Haven!

Our Mission

Our mission is heartfelt and urgent: to bring hope to the forgotten, voiceless cats of Little Haiti and its surrounding neighborhood. Every day, the stray cat population grows, and with it, the suffering of countless animals born into a life of hunger, fear, and neglect. Our goal is simple yet profound—to break this cycle of despair.Through a dedicated sterilization program, we strive to stop the endless cycle of overpopulation. For the tiny, fragile kittens born into the harsh realities of the streets, we seek to find them loving homes where they can experience the warmth and care they’ve never known. And for the sweet adult feral cats—many abandoned, scared, and longing for compassion—we provide a foster program where they can finally feel safe and cherished.Every cat we help is a life transformed, a little heart given a second chance to trust and love. Together, we can rewrite their stories and ensure that no cat is left behind, forgotten, or unloved.The stray cat population in Little Haiti, Miami, and surrounding areas is growing at an alarming rate, leaving countless cats to face starvation, disease, and exposure to harsh elements. Without timely intervention, these animals endure lives of hardship, often ending in premature death. This overpopulation crisis not only impacts the welfare of these cats but also disrupts local wildlife and poses challenges to public health.This is why we at Charlie’s Kitty Kat Sanctuary, are dedicated to addressing this urgent issue by providing a safe haven for homeless cats. We offer life-saving medical care, spay/neuter services to prevent further overpopulation, and work tirelessly to find these cats their forever homes. While we have relied on income from our restaurant to sustain our efforts, rising costs have made it increasingly challenging to meet the growing needs of the sanctuary. Now, we rely on the generosity of donors and grants to continue this vital work and expand our impact.Join us in our mission to rescue stray cats from the streets of Little Haiti and give them a second chance at life—whether aboard the AQUASITA HOUSEBOAT, lovingly known as Homeless Kitty Haven at Casa Blanco, in a caring new home through our adoption and foster program, or at the Coin Laundry Cat Sanctuary we aspire to open. Together, we can offer these vulnerable cats the love, care, and refuge they so desperately deserve.

Our Vision

The Homeless Kitty Project
An Innovative Solution for a Growing ProblemWe are excited to announce the relaunch of a community cornerstone in Little Haiti, Miami—an old coin laundry that has been closed for over four years. However, this is no ordinary reopening. The project comes with a bold, compassionate twist: it aims to tackle the growing homeless cat population in Little Haiti, Miami-Dade, and surrounding areas. Introducing The FAB Cat House Café & Coin Laundry—a unique fusion of community service, animal welfare, and local engagement.A Vision Led by PassionChef Frank Antonio Blanco, the acclaimed owner of Little Haiti’s top-rated private fine dining restaurant, House of Food Porn, is not only a culinary innovator but also an animal lover and advocate for spaying and neutering homeless cats. Since opening his restaurant in 2016, Chef Frank has getting involved with animal rescue efforts, personally feeding and assisting with spaying/neutering nearly 100 cats in the Little Haiti community. Now, Chef Frank is turning his long-held vision into reality, and we invite you to be a part of it.The FAB Cat House Café & Coin Laundry: More Than Just LaundryThis new space will not only provide laundry services but will serve as a haven for both humans and cats alike. The FAB Cat House Café & Coin Laundry will feature:Cat Café & Lounge: A cozy space for gatherings, meetings, and special events, with the possibility of participating in Art Basel and other cultural activities—catered by House of Food Porn, of course!Cat Adoption Center: Offering a chance for homeless cats to find loving forever homes.Spay & Neuter Program: A dedicated in-house facility to immediately address the cat overpopulation problem by providing spaying and neutering services.Recovery Isolation Chambers: For cats recovering from surgeries or other medical procedures.Improved Feeding Program: Including a marked golf cart to assist in the daily feeding of stray cats around the neighborhood.Cat Shop: Offering an array of cat and dog supplies for the community.
Incentivizing CompassionThe FAB Cat House Café & Coin Laundry will offer a unique incentive to the community: for every cat spayed or neutered through our program, residents will receive a $15 Wash Card redeem for complimentary wash/dry cycles at our facility—creating a powerful link between community service and animal welfare.Looking to the FutureThis project is just the beginning. The Homeless Kitty Project is a model that we aim to replicate in other communities in need. Starting with Little Haiti, we believe that small steps, taken consistently, can lead to lasting change.How You Can HelpWe believe in the power of small contributions to create big change. With 50,000 people donating just $10, we can rebuild The FAB Cat House Café & Coin Laundry, secure a stable lease, and create a lasting resource for Little Haiti. By supporting this project, you’re helping build a place where people can do laundry, enjoy a meal, and support animal welfare—a place where the community comes together.This is your chance to be part of something impactful. Join us in creating a space that truly belongs to the people of Little Haiti. With your support, we can overcome the challenges of the past and build a community-owned business that serves both people and animals for years to come. Every $10 brings us closer to this vision. Let’s make it happen—together.For Further Details, Keep Scrolling down to see Our Plan!

Our Plan

Our Plan: The FAB Cat House Café & Coin Laundry – A Community ReimaginedExecutive Summary
Business Name: The FAB Cat House Café & Coin Laundry
Location: 6230 NW 2nd Ave, Little Haiti, Miami-Dade, FL
Funding Goal: $500,000 via Crowdsourcing Campaign
Crowdsourcing Goal: $10 dollar donation by 50,000 animals loversThe FAB Cat House Café & Coin Laundry is a unique concept that blends a community-focused laundromat, a cat sanctuary and mini clinic, and a cozy café into a single, multi-purpose facility in Little Haiti, Miami. This innovative space is designed to meet the needs of local residents by providing essential services while fostering compassion for homeless animals. Our mission is to build a community hub where people can do laundry, enjoy fresh food, and support a meaningful cause—all in one place.With the lease of this coin laundry obtained in 2021 and then relinquish in 2022 after an $80,000 dollar loss; Our journey has had its highs and lows. While initial successes demonstrated strong community interest, challenging lease terms and lack of external funding led to a setback. Despite losing the lease and investing over $80,000 of personal funds, we’re more determined than ever. This time, we’re turning to the power of community and small contributions to bring our vision to life.Our goal is to raise $500,000 by inviting 50,000 supporters to donate just $10 each. With this approach, we can overcome past obstacles, create a lasting resource for Little Haiti, and build a community-owned space that benefits both people and animals.Vision and Goals
Coin Laundry Services: Provide affordable, high-quality laundry facilities for Little Haiti residents in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.Cat Sanctuary & Mini Clinic: Establish a sanctuary and clinic that provides minor medical care, spay/neuter services, and adoption opportunities for homeless cats.
Café Corner: Develop a vibrant café space offering sandwiches, salads, pastries, and coffee—creating a gathering place for the community.Community Engagement: Foster a hub for community education, adoption events, and family-friendly gatherings to promote animal welfare and neighborhood unity.Background and Challenges
Initial Successes
When we launched The FAB Cat House Café & Coin Laundry, it quickly became a cherished local spot. We secured a 5-year lease, completed major renovations, and invested in infrastructure to build a space that served both people and animals. The community responded positively, and we hosted events, provided spay/neuter services, and even started a mobile cat care program.The Setback
Despite our success, financial challenges loomed. Due to unfavorable lease terms, unsuccessful bank funding, and limited donor support, we struggled to cover operational costs. After a year and a half, we ultimately lost the lease, along with over $80,000 of my personal savings. This setback taught us valuable lessons about the importance of sustainable funding and community ownership. With this new plan, we aim to build a foundation that ensures stability and avoids similar pitfalls in the future.A New Approach: Community Ownership Through CrowdsourcingRather than relying on large donations or institutional funding, we’re now focused on small contributions from a large base of supporters, animal lovers. Our goal is to raise $500,000 through the collective support of 50,000 people, each donating just $10. By crowdfunding, we can make this project a true community effort—a space owned and supported by the people it serves.With $500,000, we can secure a stable lease, complete necessary renovations, and open a sustainable operation that benefits Little Haiti for years to come. This grassroots approach allows us to avoid reliance on any single source of funding, creating a resilient foundation that can withstand future challenges.WHY THIS PROJECT MATTERS
Addressing Community Needs
Little Haiti is a vibrant neighborhood with unique needs. Over 71% of local households are renter-occupied, highlighting a demand for affordable, accessible laundry services. Additionally, the neighborhood has a large homeless cat population and few resources to address it.By reopening The FAB Cat House Café & Coin Laundry, we will provide:
-Essential Laundry Services: Affordable, accessible laundry options for local residents.
-Animal Welfare Support: Spay/neuter programs, minor medical care, and adoption opportunities for homeless cats.
-A Café & Social Hub: A welcoming café where locals can gather, enjoy fresh food, and build community connections.SERVICES OFFERED
Coin Laundry Services
-Self-service washers and dryers in a clean, well-maintained facility.
-Wash & Fold service for those seeking convenience.
-Special laundry discounts for patrons who assist and support the cat sanctuary by having their cats spayed/neutered.Cat Sanctuary & Mini Clinic
-A safe, comfortable sanctuary for homeless cats, with dedicated areas for feeding, rest, and minor medical care.
-Spay/neuter programs and treatment for minor illnesses and injuries with the right medications on hand.
-Regular adoption events to find permanent homes for the cats.Café Corner
-A sandwich shop café serving fresh sandwiches, salads, pastries, and premium coffee.
-Cozy seating with Wi-Fi for those waiting on laundry or stopping by for a meal.
-A community-inspired menu that reflects local flavors and seasonal ingredients.Community Programs
-Monthly adoption events and pet care workshops hosted in the café space.
-Partnerships with local schools and organizations for animal welfare education and community building.OPERATIONAL PLAN
Facility Layout
Laundry Area: A front-facing, visible area with large glass windows and easy access to coin-operated washers and dryers.
Café Corner: Adjacent to the laundry area, with comfortable seating, a full-service café, and access to Wi-Fi.
Cat Sanctuary & Mini Clinic: Located in the back, with separate ventilation and soundproofing for a calm, clean space dedicated to animal care.Staffing and Volunteers
Laundry Attendants: Manage daily operations, maintain cleanliness, and assist customers.
Café Staff: Prepare and serve food, manage orders, and keep the café inviting.
Veterinary Technician: Provide minor medical care for cats and manage the sanctuary.
Volunteers: Support animal care, feeding, and community events.Equipment and Buildout
-Modern coin-operated washers and dryers, café kitchen appliances, veterinary supplies, and furniture to create a welcoming, functional space.
-Renovations to establish distinct areas for laundry, the café, and the sanctuary.Financial Plan
Funding Requirement: $500,000Interior Buildout: $130,000
Construction of designated areas for laundry, café, and sanctuary, including counters, seating, and cat shelter structures.Equipment: $250,000
Coin laundry machines, café kitchen appliances, veterinary equipment, and furniture.
Marketing and CommunityOutreach: $20,000
Social media promotion, community events, partnerships with local businesses, and outreach to attract 50,000 donors.Operating Expenses: $100,000
Salaries for staff, utilities, and initial supplies to sustain operations during the first year.Marketing Strategy: Building a Community Movement
Our strategy is focused on engaging a wide base of supporters through a comprehensive social media and community outreach campaign:Digital Marketing: Regular updates, stories of cats being helped, and community testimonials to show the impact of each $10 donation.Local Collaborations: Work with schools, animal shelters, and community organizations to reach a broader audience and build awareness.Event-Driven Fundraising: Host monthly events, such as “Meet the Cats” days, café pop-ups, and laundry promotions, where every dollar goes toward the project.
Community Impact
Reducing Homeless CatPopulation: Our spay/neuter and adoption programs will reduce the stray population and improve animal welfare in Little Haiti.Supporting Low-Income Residents: By providing affordable laundry services, we’re meeting a basic need for many local families.Creating a Community Gathering Place: Our café will offer a unique, comfortable space for residents to relax, socialize, and participate in events that benefit their community.Conclusion: Help Us Rebuild The FAB Cat House Café & Coin Laundry.We believe in the power of small contributions to create big change. With 50,000 people donating just $10, we can rebuild The FAB Cat House Café & Coin Laundry, secure a stable lease, and create a lasting resource for Little Haiti. By supporting this project, you’re helping build a place where people can do laundry, enjoy a meal, and support animal welfare—a place where the community comes together.This is your chance to be part of something impactful. Join us in creating a space that truly belongs to the people of Little Haiti. With your support, we can overcome the challenges of the past and build a community-owned business that serves both people and animals for years to come. Every $10 brings us closer to this vision. Let’s make it happen—together.

Homeless Kitty Gallery of Rescues

Our Plan

Our Plan: The FAB Cat House Café & Coin Laundry – A Community ReimaginedExecutive Summary
Business Name: The FAB Cat House Café & Coin Laundry
Location: 6230 NW 2nd Ave, Little Haiti, Miami-Dade, FL
Funding Goal: $500,000 via Crowdsourcing Campaign
Crowdsourcing Goal: $10 dollar donation by 50,000 animals loversThe FAB Cat House Café & Coin Laundry is a unique concept that blends a community-focused laundromat, a cat sanctuary and mini clinic, and a cozy café into a single, multi-purpose facility in Little Haiti, Miami. This innovative space is designed to meet the needs of local residents by providing essential services while fostering compassion for homeless animals. Our mission is to build a community hub where people can do laundry, enjoy fresh food, and support a meaningful cause—all in one place.With the lease of this coin laundry obtained in 2021 and then relinquish in 2022 after an $80,000 dollar loss; Our journey has had its highs and lows. While initial successes demonstrated strong community interest, challenging lease terms and lack of external funding led to a setback. Despite losing the lease and investing over $80,000 of personal funds, we’re more determined than ever. This time, we’re turning to the power of community and small contributions to bring our vision to life.Our goal is to raise $500,000 by inviting 50,000 supporters to donate just $10 each. With this approach, we can overcome past obstacles, create a lasting resource for Little Haiti, and build a community-owned space that benefits both people and animals.Vision and Goals
Coin Laundry Services: Provide affordable, high-quality laundry facilities for Little Haiti residents in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.Cat Sanctuary & Mini Clinic: Establish a sanctuary and clinic that provides minor medical care, spay/neuter services, and adoption opportunities for homeless cats.
Café Corner: Develop a vibrant café space offering sandwiches, salads, pastries, and coffee—creating a gathering place for the community.Community Engagement: Foster a hub for community education, adoption events, and family-friendly gatherings to promote animal welfare and neighborhood unity.Background and Challenges
Initial Successes
When we launched The FAB Cat House Café & Coin Laundry, it quickly became a cherished local spot. We secured a 5-year lease, completed major renovations, and invested in infrastructure to build a space that served both people and animals. The community responded positively, and we hosted events, provided spay/neuter services, and even started a mobile cat care program.The Setback
Despite our success, financial challenges loomed. Due to unfavorable lease terms, unsuccessful bank funding, and limited donor support, we struggled to cover operational costs. After a year and a half, we ultimately lost the lease, along with over $80,000 of my personal savings. This setback taught us valuable lessons about the importance of sustainable funding and community ownership. With this new plan, we aim to build a foundation that ensures stability and avoids similar pitfalls in the future.A New Approach: Community Ownership Through CrowdsourcingRather than relying on large donations or institutional funding, we’re now focused on small contributions from a large base of supporters, animal lovers. Our goal is to raise $500,000 through the collective support of 50,000 people, each donating just $10. By crowdfunding, we can make this project a true community effort—a space owned and supported by the people it serves.With $500,000, we can secure a stable lease, complete necessary renovations, and open a sustainable operation that benefits Little Haiti for years to come. This grassroots approach allows us to avoid reliance on any single source of funding, creating a resilient foundation that can withstand future challenges.WHY THIS PROJECT MATTERS
Addressing Community Needs
Little Haiti is a vibrant neighborhood with unique needs. Over 71% of local households are renter-occupied, highlighting a demand for affordable, accessible laundry services. Additionally, the neighborhood has a large homeless cat population and few resources to address it.By reopening The FAB Cat House Café & Coin Laundry, we will provide:
-Essential Laundry Services: Affordable, accessible laundry options for local residents.
-Animal Welfare Support: Spay/neuter programs, minor medical care, and adoption opportunities for homeless cats.
-A Café & Social Hub: A welcoming café where locals can gather, enjoy fresh food, and build community connections.SERVICES OFFERED
Coin Laundry Services
-Self-service washers and dryers in a clean, well-maintained facility.
-Wash & Fold service for those seeking convenience.
-Special laundry discounts for patrons who assist and support the cat sanctuary by having their cats spayed/neutered.Cat Sanctuary & Mini Clinic
-A safe, comfortable sanctuary for homeless cats, with dedicated areas for feeding, rest, and minor medical care.
-Spay/neuter programs and treatment for minor illnesses and injuries with the right medications on hand.
-Regular adoption events to find permanent homes for the cats.Café Corner
-A sandwich shop café serving fresh sandwiches, salads, pastries, and premium coffee.
-Cozy seating with Wi-Fi for those waiting on laundry or stopping by for a meal.
-A community-inspired menu that reflects local flavors and seasonal ingredients.Community Programs
-Monthly adoption events and pet care workshops hosted in the café space.
-Partnerships with local schools and organizations for animal welfare education and community building.OPERATIONAL PLAN
Facility Layout
Laundry Area: A front-facing, visible area with large glass windows and easy access to coin-operated washers and dryers.
Café Corner: Adjacent to the laundry area, with comfortable seating, a full-service café, and access to Wi-Fi.
Cat Sanctuary & Mini Clinic: Located in the back, with separate ventilation and soundproofing for a calm, clean space dedicated to animal care.Staffing and Volunteers
Laundry Attendants: Manage daily operations, maintain cleanliness, and assist customers.
Café Staff: Prepare and serve food, manage orders, and keep the café inviting.
Veterinary Technician: Provide minor medical care for cats and manage the sanctuary.
Volunteers: Support animal care, feeding, and community events.Equipment and Buildout
-Modern coin-operated washers and dryers, café kitchen appliances, veterinary supplies, and furniture to create a welcoming, functional space.
-Renovations to establish distinct areas for laundry, the café, and the sanctuary.Financial Plan
Funding Requirement: $500,000Interior Buildout: $130,000
Construction of designated areas for laundry, café, and sanctuary, including counters, seating, and cat shelter structures.Equipment: $250,000
Coin laundry machines, café kitchen appliances, veterinary equipment, and furniture.
Marketing and CommunityOutreach: $20,000
Social media promotion, community events, partnerships with local businesses, and outreach to attract 50,000 donors.Operating Expenses: $100,000
Salaries for staff, utilities, and initial supplies to sustain operations during the first year.Marketing Strategy: Building a Community Movement
Our strategy is focused on engaging a wide base of supporters through a comprehensive social media and community outreach campaign:Digital Marketing: Regular updates, stories of cats being helped, and community testimonials to show the impact of each $10 donation.Local Collaborations: Work with schools, animal shelters, and community organizations to reach a broader audience and build awareness.Event-Driven Fundraising: Host monthly events, such as “Meet the Cats” days, café pop-ups, and laundry promotions, where every dollar goes toward the project.
Community Impact
Reducing Homeless CatPopulation: Our spay/neuter and adoption programs will reduce the stray population and improve animal welfare in Little Haiti.Supporting Low-Income Residents: By providing affordable laundry services, we’re meeting a basic need for many local families.Creating a Community Gathering Place: Our café will offer a unique, comfortable space for residents to relax, socialize, and participate in events that benefit their community.Conclusion: Help Us Rebuild The FAB Cat House Café & Coin Laundry.We believe in the power of small contributions to create big change. With 50,000 people donating just $10, we can rebuild The FAB Cat House Café & Coin Laundry, secure a stable lease, and create a lasting resource for Little Haiti. By supporting this project, you’re helping build a place where people can do laundry, enjoy a meal, and support animal welfare—a place where the community comes together.This is your chance to be part of something impactful. Join us in creating a space that truly belongs to the people of Little Haiti. With your support, we can overcome the challenges of the past and build a community-owned business that serves both people and animals for years to come. Every $10 brings us closer to this vision. Let’s make it happen—together.

Get In Touch with Us

We’re always here for our furry friends! Whether you want to learn more about our mission or share a heartwarming story, drop us a message below. Don’t worry, our team at Homeless Kitty Haven will respond faster than a whisker’s twitch!

Thank You

Thank you for your support and for joining us in our mission to rescue and care for homeless kitties! Together, we’re making a real difference in their lives.