Mary's Place Outreach Manager, Grace Polanco, shares her journey to Mary's Place
Outreach Manager, Grace Polanco, works with families in our community who are currently unsheltered and living in cars and tents to help them back into stable housing. Grace shares her story and what brought her to do this important work at Mary’s Place.
Most of us are driven by our experiences, even if you’re not aware of it. I was orphaned at two years old when my father died on a street corner of alcohol poisoning. My mother, unable to cope, dropped my sister and me off with someone we learned to call Granny. We lived in the most impoverished neighborhood in Los Angeles. Living in that environment throughout my formative years shaped who I am and how I serve women and families experiencing homelessness at Mary's Place.
Working in homeless services and managing a medical mobile unit providing services to those experiencing homelessness in LA was an eye-opening experience. I served the most vulnerable people, often thinking, "If I can care for this man experiencing homelessness in front of me, maybe he'll have a better chance at life than my father did.”
One client that stands out is a sweet woman named Danielle. From a very young age, Danielle had turned to sex work to make ends meet. Getting to know Danielle, I couldn't shake the sense of hopelessness I felt, unable to provide proper resources for her. When I moved to Washington, I sought out organizations that were making the most impact on the homeless crisis in Seattle—that's when I found Mary's Place.
I feel I've come full circle, now supporting single moms at Mary's Place that remind me of Danielle. I recently met a woman named Maria, a single mom who has had to overcome barriers all her life. She has qualified for services before but relapsed twice. On her third attempt, and with support from her rehab counselors and Mary's Place, Maria is about to move into a two-bedroom apartment of her own and can finally be reunited with her son.
Helping our staff walk moms, dads, and their families through the housing process, providing move-in funds for them to get into their own place and then furniture support, food, and goodwill gift cards is such a victory.
As I talk to our guests and hear their sense of urgency to get themselves and their families off the streets, I no longer find myself empty-handed and unable to help. It feels great to be able to reassure them that the support they need is there for them, and it brings such satisfaction knowing that Mary's Place is truly making a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Yet, I know this work is a collaborative effort. With funding from those who have the means to support financially, we're able to help guests find their forever home. Last month alone, 82 families requested housing support. There's much work to be done, but with help from our community, we can truly reach our goal of "No Child Sleeps Outside."