Love

Love is essential. As a young child it was the one thing I knew to be true. Humans need love like plants need water. This lead me to my life’s work, founding Spread the Love Commission in December of 2014.  We are a national non profit getting to the heart of our homeless crisis with compassion, connection and vital supplies (link) spreadthelovebygoving.org

Wren’s story-

Growing up in the DC area, where there can be a certain level of cynicism ,I was all hugs and softness. It was a cause for concern with friends and family.

At 8, I met a man experiencing homelessness. I was instantly drawn to his light. He had nothing material, yet the people he knew loved and admired him while passers by acted as though he was invisible. I’d never seen people treat another human with such disdain. My heart broke. The man explained homelessness to me that day and set me on a lifelong path to find a way to help.

Years later, guided by another unsheltered person, I learned that providing critical items such as, shoes, toiletries, health and hygiene, blankets, survival gear and of course love, could give people access to the first steps out of homelessness.  And sharing their stories, gave them a voice.

Today, with the continued help and guidance of our clients and of the dedication of our STLC family of supporters, sponsors and volunteers, we have served over 40 communities in the U.S. and counting. We have personally distributed over $750,000 worth of vital, high quality, surplus supplies and support to our unhoused and displaced neighbors as well as those facing housing insecurity. And we have created a platform for our unhoused community to share their personal stories. Please take 10 minutes to watch our award winning short film by Jack Hessler The Hand You Were Dealt (link). And we have done this with a staff of one and a little Honda Element.

It is now time for us to grow. This year we hope to raise the funding to hire a talented support staff and purchase our first outreach van. Please enjoy this delicious bottle of LOVE created lovingly by our friends at 7 Stories and join us in Spreading the Love to our neighbors in need.

With Love and Gratitude,

Wren Fialka
Founder and Executive Director
Spread the Love Commission