Nonprofit Spotlight – Together we do More

How One Fort Worth Nonprofit Is on a Mission to Fight Homelessness

Despite the many stigmas surrounding homelessness, more often than not, it starts with circumstances beyond our control — a sudden loss of income, a medical emergency, or a series of tragic setbacks that can unravel one’s life faster than most people realize. For Gary Wilkerson, founder of the nonprofit When We Love, this heart-wrenching scenario is something he knows all too well. 

In 2006, Gary’s business failed, and he and his family lost nearly everything, including their home. As he and his family began to rebuild their lives, two of their daughters began a journey of addiction that led to episodes of homelessness. They lost their daughter Kristina in 2022. Yet out of that pain and despair, Gary set out on an impassioned mission to make sure that individuals and families experiencing homelessness received the opportunity to get their lives back on track.

“Just because someone is homeless or has made poor decisions or life choices,
doesn’t mean they deserve less than you or I,” shared Gary. “Everyone deserves compassion, dignity, and a chance to recover and heal.”

Reminding Those in Need That They Are Not Alone

As a 501(c)(3) faith-based nonprofit, When We Love helps youth, single-parent families, and veterans facing homelessness move toward stability, recovery, and hope. The organization was created to remind people in crisis that they are not invisible, forgotten, or beyond help. Homelessness should be temporary, and with the right support, anyone can get back on their feet. 

A common misconception is that homelessness only affects certain demographics. However, studies have shown that homelessness can affect anyone, regardless of background or income level. According to Wilkerson, the nonprofit has even seen its share of individuals who were doctors, professors, and other highly skilled, educated professionals, people who were simply the victims of unfortunate circumstances. But youth, single-parent families, and veterans remain especially vulnerable because they often carry heavier burdens with fewer support systems in place. 

Offering a Helping Hand Is Just the First Step

The work done at When We Love is hands-on and highly relational. On any given day, the team may provide food, water, clothing, hygiene items, and other basic necessities, but those supplies are only the starting point. The deeper work lies in learning names, hearing stories, and understanding what each person is facing.

“Our homeless outreach services are a means to an end,” Gary explained. “We use those opportunities to build trust, so that people will open up to us.”

From there, the organization helps connect clients with housing resources, identification, mental health services, employment opportunities, or addiction counseling, depending on their needs. 

Programs That Truly Make a Difference

The long-term goal at When We Love is to help those in need rebuild their lives. To that end, the organization partners with over 25 agencies across Tarrant County. 

Several key programs stand at the forefront of this effort. For example, the Family Reunification program reunites those in need with distant family members, providing them travel expenses, tickets, or even transportation, effectively ending their episode of homelessness. 

The Make It a Home program helps individuals and families transitioning from homelessness into housing by turning empty apartments into real homes with new beds, furniture, and kitchen and bath supplies. In 2025 alone, the nonprofit was able to furnish over 1100 apartments, all thanks to charitable donations. 

The Rides for Hope program makes life easier by addressing transportation needs. This can come in the form of a bicycle, bus passes, gas cards, insurance and auto repair assistance, and, in some cases, a car. In a metropolitan area as vast as the Dallas-Fort Worth area, this service can be life-changing for those who need to get to and from work.

Together, We Do More

Gary is quick to share that When We Love does not do this work alone. Volunteers give their time, churches open their hearts, businesses share resources, donors fund the mission, and partners help connect people to the right services. When dealing with a problem as complex as homelessness, collaboration is key.

The organization’s message to the community is straightforward: Don’t ever believe you can’t make a difference. Even one small step — volunteering, donating household items, or simply spreading the word — can change a life. 

If you are interested in helping your community or would like to learn more, visit:
whenwelove.org. 682-707-5302