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Lindsay Robbins announced on social media on October 12 that she and a partner will be coming together to open an animal shelter in the old Brooks Hospital in the downtown Atlanta area. Robbins said that she had “wanted to open an animal shelter since 2009. But life happens and it wasn’t God’s timing. So, I saved ideas for years and wrote them down.” Years later, Robbins told the Journal-Sun that things “started coming together when I spoke with Mayor Brooks one day at work. I had semi-joked about him donating the hospital for my shelter. He thought it was a good idea and gave me the number to the attorney in charge of the Brooks Estate. So, I called and put the idea in his head. Six months later, I got a call from the attorney and the hospital is being donated to me and my rescue!” “For years I had gone back and forth on building brand new vs. using an existing structure for my shelter,” said Robbins. “But location was very important and size was equally important. On my way to work one morning, I noticed the Brooks Hospital. I didn’t know what it was or how long it had been abandoned at the time. So, I started asking around, did some research, and went as far as just walking around the building one day. I loved the layout. And the place is huge! Soooo much potential. And right in the middle of Atlanta too! What better way to reach the heart of the Atlantians than to open a shelter right in the heart of downtown Atlanta? “ On her social media post, she introduced the idea with pictures of the hospital with the title, “It’s a hot mess express! But it will be something GREAT one day.” Robbins expects the project to be “an insane amount of work and funds will need to go into this building to make this dream come true. The hospital is loaded with mold, lead, and asbestos. Not to mention the roof has caved in, and windows and doors are missing. The list goes on. But the other costs will be rebuilding. Installing proper drain systems for the kennels, installing a new roof and insulation, HVAC system, electrical, plumbing…. But we have had a tremendous response! So many people have come forward to volunteer their time, gifts, services, and resources! So, I know things will come together.” Robbins says that everything goes as planned she would love to open sometime in 2026. “Lucky U Rescue will become a shelter/rescue for cats and dogs. I am hoping to be able to take in at least 200 dogs and 250 cats at one time. When asked if there was anything the community could do to help make this dream come true, Robbins said that “the community can help with of course donations. But more importantly their resources. I would love to involve the whole community. For instance, metal companies could donate roofing supplies or discount them. Local vendors could donate goods to sell to raise money for the shelter. School kids in art class could make paintings to donate to help raise money. (Or to use to brighten up the walls of the shelter) Elementary kids could come and read to our adoption animals! My son has already volunteered for that! Our community is in need of this rescue. And our community is what will essentially bring it all together.” Those gifts would be tax deductible since the shelter will be a non-profit organization.