WhenWeLove wins 2026 Best of Texas Award

WhenWeLove, a Fort Worth nonprofit focused on helping people exit homelessness, received the 2026 Best of Texas Award for its work with families and children in and around Tarrant County. The recognition comes as the group expands Dream Center Fort Worth into a larger hub for housing support, coaching and youth services.

Why it matters: - The award spotlights a nonprofit model built on relationships, not just services. - WhenWeLove works with families and children experiencing homelessness in and around Tarrant County. - The recognition reinforces the idea that homelessness can be met with support that leads to permanent housing and self-sufficiency.

What happened: - WhenWeLove received the 2026 Best of Texas Award on Oct. 23, 2026. - The Fort Worth-based nonprofit teaches people how to beat homelessness. - The award honors organizations serving families and children experiencing homelessness in the region.

The details: - WhenWeLove says its staff and volunteers walk alongside people experiencing homelessness instead of only providing services. - The organization builds trust, identifies root causes and helps people regain self-sufficiency. - Support can include training and transportation tied to the path to permanent housing. - Founder Gary Wilkerson said his own family once came within days of living on the streets of Fort Worth. - A story shared by the organization says Dave moved into housing after years on the streets through consistent relationships and encouragement. - Dave reconnected with loved ones and began rebuilding his life. - WhenWeLove is expanding through Dream Center Fort Worth, a 23,000-square-foot facility acquired in early 2023. - The center will offer life skills and financial coaching, family case management and youth programs. - The organization’s guiding promise is: “We Put Hope in Motion to Create Pathways Beyond Homelessness.” - For more information, click here.

Between the lines: - The award appears to recognize a service model that treats homelessness as a relationship problem as much as a resource problem. - The Dream Center expansion suggests WhenWeLove is preparing to scale that approach with a larger physical footprint and more structured programming.

What's next: - WhenWeLove expects Dream Center Fort Worth to help reach more families with housing pathways and support services. - The organization says the award marks a meaningful milestone and strengthens its commitment to the community it serves. - Gary Wilkerson said the team will keep focusing on consistent relationships and real support for people in need.