The Project
Be the change you wish to see in the world
The Past
We Are Love started 7 years ago when I was living in California, watching the homeless problem grow and grow while people become increasingly frustrated and detached from the humanity of those impacted.
I started making meals and care packages in my tiny (2k a month) studio and distributing them around town. Mother's and Father's Day I delivered baked goods to single parents who had nobody to celebrate their achievements over struggle in the name of their children.
Our focus has been providing water, food and protection from the elements to the local homeless population and single parents living below the poverty line.
We currently distribute Downtown every Sunday and as needed before extreme weather.
The Future
After conducting extensive research into local organizations and initiatives, the hole in the net is kiddos of homelss and low-income parents.
SO, we have decided to establish a Free Store, where parents living below the poverty line can come, "shop" for clothes, toys, diapers, wipes, formula, etc.
We will also help with birthday parties and holiday presents!
We're working on the logistics of supplying food as well.
We will need help sorting donations, maintaining the Free Store, meal prepping, sourcing party items/presents and fundraising.
If you'd like to get involved, reach out!
The Hard Truth
Between 2020 and 2024, the number of reported homeless in Travis county nearly doubled, jumping from 3,194 people living on the streets on any given day to 6,358.
While the Austin region has the fourth largest homeless population in Texas, it has the highest share of homeless residents not living with any kind of shelter.
There are well over 100,000 homeless children currently attending public school and who knows how many not going to schol at all.
The Problem
While we understand the problem is huge and needs to be addressed from many systemic angles to be resolved, that doesn't change the fact that our communities are full of hungry and hopeless and unprotected people who need or help.
The impact of having someone express love and care is immeasurable. More than the supplies we pass out, the focus is reminding them they matter, they deserve eye contact and conversation and they are a priority to someone.