VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — It was almost a year ago when a fire broke out at the Save Them Spay Them Love Them headquarters in Virginia Beach. After going back and forth with the city of Virginia Beach for the past year, the organization’s founder says her legacy at that location may be over.
For decades, founder Lynn Nelson has worked to help the stray cat population in Hampton Roads, buying the property in 2003 and managing her nonprofit, using it as a storage facility for years.
However, tragedy struck last may when a fire broke out in the building. Inside were medical supplies for the cats, and crafts Nelson sold to fund the nonprofit. All were lost.
Community rallies around Virginia Beach nonprofit following devastating fire
Nearly a year later, Nelson is still trying to rebuild. She’s had support from the community and even won some money for the nonprofit when she was a contestant on Wheel of Fortune. Nelson says zoning and permit issues with the city are holding her back…