“I Have No One Else to Turn To”

Why Compassionate Conversations Matter — and How You Can Help

By Mollie

“I have no one else to turn to.”

That’s what the voice on the other end of the line said. It wasn’t loud or dramatic. It was quiet — heavy with exhaustion, fear, and the hope that maybe, this time, someone would listen.

At the Paw in Hand Project, this is how many of our conversations begin. More than 70% of people who reach out to us do so by phone. There’s something deeply human about that — when someone is in crisis, when they feel like their world is crumbling, they don’t start with a form or an email. They pick up the phone. They call, hoping someone will answer.

And we do.

This year alone, we’ve received over 100 referrals. That’s 100 people trying to protect their pets while navigating homelessness, abuse, addiction, or unimaginable instability. They aren’t looking for handouts — they’re looking for dignity. Support. Someone who will say, “You’re not alone.”

That’s why our Connection Specialists are so vital.

They are often the very first voice a caller hears. They don’t have to fix everything in one conversation — but they do listen. They do guide. They meet people with compassion, not judgment, and help them take the next step toward safety and support.

This role doesn’t require a degree or decades of experience. It simply requires heart. Listening ears. A few hours a week. And a belief that people deserve to be seen and heard — even when they’re at their lowest.

If this sounds like something you were made for, we would love to talk with you. Training and support are provided, and you’ll be joining a team committed to serving both people and their pets with love and dignity.

Because every story starts with someone picking up the phone. And that first conversation? It can change everything.

Interested in becoming a Connection Specialist?

Volunteer