A House for Hope

For my Eagle Scout project, I set out to build something that would make a real, lasting impact. I partnered with the Humane Society of Silicon Valley to build a double cat house for their Kona Cat Gardens, a safe space for feral cats. The old houses were in rough shape — the wood was rotting, the insulation was poor, and they just weren’t providing the shelter these animals deserved. I saw an opportunity not just to replace a structure, but to create something thoughtful and durable that could make their lives a little better.

The design was far from simple. From the start, I wanted the cat house to be more than just four walls and a roof. It needed proper insulation, a removable roof for caretakers, an escape door for safety, and strong materials to withstand weather. Planning every detail and leading my team through the construction process pushed me in ways I hadn’t fully expected. It wasn’t just about building — it was about problem-solving at every step. Fundraising, for example, taught me creativity and persistence. I baked treats for pets and people, reached out to local stores for donations, and carefully budgeted every expense.

Of course, no project goes perfectly. We ran into obstacles, like realizing that individual shingles would take too much time to install, leading me to switch to roofing sheets for efficiency. Safety was another huge responsibility — I made sure every volunteer had protective gear and a clear understanding of their tasks before we started.

In the end, seeing the finished cat house in place at the Humane Society was an incredible moment. It wasn’t just a structure; it was the result of careful planning, teamwork, and leadership. More importantly, it felt good knowing that my effort created a safer, warmer space for animals that don’t always get the care they deserve. This project taught me that real leadership means adapting, trusting your team, and staying committed to the goal, no matter how complicated the path might be. It’s an experience I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.