Iliana Belinc

A Founder's Story

Unleashing Hope: Unveiling the Inspiring Journey of PalsNPets

Hello, I'm the founder and executive director of PalsNPets, and I'm excited to share my journey with you. Starting out, I had no experience and doubted my abilities due to my background. But I realized that my own life's trials and challenges provided the perfect foundation for this organization.

My deep compassion for animals and people experiencing homelessness comes from my own struggles and the feeling of being lost for a long time. Developing PalsNPets became a way for me to find my purpose and serve others. It all began with memories of my grandfather, reminiscing about our cherished time together in my youth.

Building the foundation of PalsNPets allowed me to offer trust and self-belief to people experiencing homelessness and their pets. From being disconnected to creating a supportive organization, I learned that trust and receiving support are our birthrights, even if they don't come naturally to everyone.

Today, I'm proud to share with you PalsNPets has supported eight interim shelters across Los Angeles assisting around 130 individuals and 100 pets monthly. Our impact is amplified by the help and support of many likeminded compassionate organizations. I've gained valuable knowledge in business, community and engaging kind-hearted volunteers that at one time I couldn’t even fathom.

Together, as a community, we can accomplish anything. When we trust and support each other, unimaginable victories are within reach. Keep following our journey as I delve into the profound influence of my grandfather's life.

My Grandfather's story - Paws of Hope: Carlos Portill

"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.

Leaving home at fourteen, Carlos settled in Tecate, Mexico, near the US border, where he worked as a rancher. He married Maria at sixteen and became a father to two children. During this time, he began caring for stray dogs, providing them with food, protection, and the love they lacked.

My childhood visits to my grandparents allowed me to witness his devotion to the dogs. As I grew older, I grasped the significance of his actions.

Since the 1930s, Carlos transformed the perception of stray animals in his community. People started recognizing his dedication and began bringing him sick or pregnant dogs, knowing he would provide them with care or find them loving homes.

Reflecting who my grandfather was, I see parallels in myself with the mission of PalsNPets. His spirit remains strong in PalsNPets.

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

Iliana Belinc

A Founder's Story

Unleashing Hope: Unveiling the Inspiring Journey of PalsNPets

Unleashing Hope: Unveiling the Inspiring Journey of PalsNPets

Unleashing Hope: Unveiling the Inspiring Journey of PalsNPets

Unleashing Hope: Unveiling the Inspiring Journey of PalsNPets

Unleashing Hope: Unveiling the Inspiring Journey of PalsNPets

My Grandfather's story - Paws of Hope: Carlos Portill

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

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