Walking Side by Side: A Day in the Life at Hope Harbor

At Grandma’s House of Hope, every day is an opportunity to meet people where they are, walk with them through life’s challenges, and help them regain hope, independence, and self-worth. Paula Escobar-Smith, Program Manager at Hope Harbor, gives us a window into the extraordinary work happening behind our doors.

Hope Harbor: A Place of Healing and Growth

Hope Harbor is an emergency shelter that serves some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Within it, Ms. Paula oversees three distinct programs:

• VOCA (Victims of Crime) – A 90-day program, extendable another 30 days, helping survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and street abuse find safety and begin the healing process.

• Recovery Residential – A rehabilitation program for individuals recovering from substance abuse, often court-mandated or referred from probation, helping them maintain sobriety and rebuild their lives.

• YRES (Year-Round Emergency Services) – Supporting individuals with severe mental health challenges, chronic illnesses, or physical disabilities, ensuring they have access to compassionate care and resources.

Additionally, Ms. Paula runs Serenity Place, a transitional program where women graduating from VOCA can continue their journey toward long-term stability.

A Day in Ms. Paula’s Life

Paula’s work goes far beyond managing programs. She ensures staff wellbeing, oversees case managers, conducts house meetings, and monitors the daily progress of each participant.  She emphasizes the importance of an open-door policy, fostering communication between staff and residents to address conflicts, provide guidance, and ensure a smooth, safe environment.

“The participants come to us at different points in their journey,” Ms. Paula explains. “Some arrive from the streets with untreated mental illness or active addiction.  We meet them where they are and walk side by side with them, offering care, empathy, and guidance.”

Beyond Basic Services

Ms. Paula’s role isn’t just about logistics.  She provides mentorship, emotional support, and wisdom—often filling gaps many participants have experienced in their lives.  Many have never had a parent or caregiver to guide them, and Ms. Paula offers encouragement, advice, and a safe space to rebuild confidence and self-esteem.

Preparing for Independence

The ultimate goal is permanent housing and self-sufficiency.  To achieve this, participants work on:

• Obtaining vital documents like IDs, birth certificates, and Social Security cards.

• Addressing physical and mental health needs through therapy, medical care, and substance use recovery.

• Building life skills, including basic hygiene, household chores, financial management, and accountability through community responsibilities.

• Connecting with Housing Navigators who help verify homelessness history and navigate the waitlists for permanent housing.

Through these steps, participants gain the tools, confidence, and independence needed to sustain their future.

The Heart of Grandma’s House of Hope

What sets Grandma’s House of Hope apart, Ms. Paula says, is the family-like environment. Beyond shelter, participants experience care, celebration, and belonging—whether it’s a birthday, Thanksgiving dinner, or a simple moment of encouragement. “We celebrate their progress, empower them to find their self-worth, and make sure they know they are valued,” Ms. Paula shares.

The Most Rewarding Part

For Ms. Paula, the greatest reward comes when participants graduate, fully self-empowered, confident, and ready to enter permanent housing. “Knowing they are valued, independent, and capable of sustaining themselves—that is the most rewarding,” she says.

A Call to Humanity

Grandma’s House of Hope is more than a shelter—it’s a place where hope is restored, lives are rebuilt, and individuals are empowered to become active, responsible members of society. Ms. Paula’s dedication embodies our goal: to meet people halfway, walk alongside them, and give them the tools to thrive.