About PalsNPets

PalsNPets began in 2020 by providing pet-inclusive supportive services within one interim housing program. As housing providers recognized the value of integrating pet support into participant services, the program expanded to five interim housing locations during its first year.

By 2025, PalsNPets had supported more than 20 interim housing and outreach settings throughout Los Angeles, helping participants remove pet-related barriers to housing while working consistently with housing staff, case managers, veterinary providers, and community partners.

Although the organization has grown, our purpose has remained the same: helping people experiencing homelessness with pets access the support they need to enter housing, remain housed, and continue moving toward permanent housing.

Meet Our Founder - Iliana Belinc

PalsNPets was founded by Iliana Belinc, whose work is rooted in a deeply personal understanding of the connection between people, animals, and stability.

Supporting people experiencing homelessness with pets was something deeply familial to Iliana long before PalsNPets existed. The experiences and values passed down through her grandfather's life would ultimately shape the mission and purpose of the organization.

Although Iliana did not come from a traditional nonprofit or housing-services background, she learned by listening, building relationships, asking questions, and working directly alongside participants, housing providers, case managers, veterinary providers, and community organizations. Those experiences helped shape PalsNPets into a participant-centered organization focused on practical, consistent support that strengthens housing stability.

At PalsNPets, we understand the challenges faced by homeless individuals with pets. Which often limit their access to shelters. However, with our programs in interim shelters we make it possible for people experiencing homelessness with pets to have a home, fostering healing and growth for both. “My grandfathers own healing life journey, of at one time in his life experiencing homelessness with pets has transcended through time with PalsNPets.” - Iliana Belinc

"As an orphan kid, the street dogs are how I survived." - Carlos Portillo

Carlos Portillo, also known as Abuelito Carlos, grew up in Teocaltiche, Mexico, after losing his mother tragically and being abandoned by his father. Neglected by his uncles, he sought solace among stray street dogs, finding companionship and warmth in their presence.

Iliana's grandfather, Carlos Portillo, was orphaned in Mexico at the age of eight. During his childhood, he often found himself surviving on the streets, where street dogs became his companions and source of comfort during some of his most difficult moments. He would later tell Iliana that he didn't rescue dogs because he felt sorry for them. He rescued them because, in many ways, they had rescued him first.

As an adult, Carlos became known throughout his community for helping both people and animals. Despite never learning to read or write, he became the General Secretary of a labor union, advocating for workers and earning the trust and respect of those around him. Alongside that work, he spent decades rescuing abandoned, injured, and neglected animals, opening his home to countless dogs while also helping people by offering housing, employment, and support whenever he could.

Watching her grandfather live with compassion, generosity, and quiet service taught Iliana that caring for people and caring for animals are not separate acts. For many individuals experiencing homelessness, the bond with a pet represents companionship, responsibility, hope, and the stability needed to begin rebuilding their lives.

The compassion, resilience, and quiet service Carlos lived by continue to influence every partnership, every participant, and every family PalsNPets has the privilege to support.

About PalsNPets

"As an orphan kid, the street dogs are how I survived." - Carlos Portillo

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