SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The Animal Protective League in Springfield is assessing significant damage after a severe storm and strong winds struck its facility late Wednesday night.

Despite the damage, officials say all animals housed at the shelter are safe. The building is located on Taintor Road on Springfield's north side. 

The Animal Protective League has been taking care of animals in Sangamon County for over 60 years. 

According to the Friends of Sangamon County Animal Control Facebook page, the storm caused enough damage that animals can no longer be housed at the facility while recovery efforts are underway.

APL Executive Director Deana Corbin told WAND News she was at home when her son found out about debris on the shelter. She said an assembly line quickly formed to help get the animals out safe.

"It was midnight, one o'clock and people were showing up offering to foster, offering to help, offering to do whatever they could," Corbin said. "It's just such a heartwarming feeling to know that people care enough to come out and help in the middle of a crazy storm like we were having last night."

The APL's shelter is completely demolished, which is devastating for Melissa Boastick who has volunteered here for 12 years.

"We help so many animals and pull them from counties, pull them from other places," Boastick said. "Right now, we're not going to have that ability."

Sangamon County Animal Control responded to assist following the storm and is temporarily caring for 11 dogs and 29 cats that were housed at the shelter.

The spay and neuter clinic's roof also ripped off, leaving many people questioning where they will go for services.

"We do about 6,000 to 7,000 spay neuters in that building a year for the community and our shelter partners," Corbin said. "So, that is going to be a huge loss for us and we're going to try and figure out how to make that work maybe in some other locations."

Wind blew parts of both buildings across the parking lot and into a huge field by APL and Turasky Meats. Staff said it will take a long time to rebuild, but they are just grateful all of the animals are safe.

"It's absolutely amazing when something devastating like this happens, the people that come out to try to help," Boastick said.

As cleanup and repairs begin, the shelter said there will be a significant need for foster homes, particularly for cats, to help accommodate displaced animals. You can find links to applications to adopt or foster animals here.

The extent of the damage has not yet been released, but officials said their immediate focus is ensuring the continued care and safety of the animals.

Neighboring business Turasky Meats will host a drive-thru cookout event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to raise money for APL. Attendees are asked to enter on the side of Peoria Road. 

Pork chop sandwiches and brats will be available to purchase. 

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