Today we’d like to introduce you to Israel Alonso.
Hi Israel , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
We established our organization in October 2021, but we have been serving our community for over 11 years. Our journey began in the streets of downtown Dallas, where we started with a cooler filled with pancakes, 10 gallons of coffee, and a heart ready to serve. As a church and community, we felt compelled to be part of the solution, so we began providing meals and essential items to the unhoused community weekly.
As the need grew, so did our efforts. We began to receive donations of food, clothing, and household items, which we distributed one box of blessings at a time. We recognized the needs in areas where many were afraid to go and addressed them directly. Through this work, we witnessed what the Lord provided.
We loaded up our trailer and used my van to transport all the donations, enlisting volunteers to create blessing bags right on the spot. Grateful hearts in our community relied on the blessings we were able to provide.
As we grew, our focus expanded beyond just serving the unhoused. We began to support immigrants, refugees, single-parent households, and low-income families. Although we may be a small organization, the impact we make truly matters.
Each year, we hold events such as “Let’s Make A Child Smile,” “Back to School Backpacks,” “Youth Summer Kickoff,” and “Community Health Fair.” These events take place throughout Dallas and the surrounding areas.
We are excited to see what the future holds as we continue to make a difference in our community day by day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like many organizations, we have faced struggles and learned to overcome them. One of our challenges this Christmas was our inability to sponsor every child, as we did not reach our financial goal, which prevented us from meeting the needs of all applicants. As our directors and I reached out to other organizations for assistance, we were grateful to have successfully sponsored 75% of our applicants.
Additionally, we encountered difficulties with our trailers and vehicles. Our ministry’s truck, which was essential for daily donation pickups and drop-offs, broke down. This setback was significant, but thanks to a generous donor who recognized our need, we were able to acquire a van, which is now our main vehicle for continuing our work.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a full-time minister at Maranatha Christian Assembly and the founder of Hugs With Love Ministry. The most fulfilling part of my job is witnessing the hope and smiles of every person we have helped. I don’t believe there is a particular quality that sets us apart, but I know that being consistent and genuinely showing each person we bless that they matter is essential. We aim to demonstrate hope in the midst of everything they may be facing. I hope we serve as a beacon of hope and love.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
We wouldn’t be where we are today without the Lord, Pastor Leon Birdd, David Wilson, my father Felipe D. Alonso, my mother Barbara A. Perez, and of course, my wife Esthefanny A. Andrade-Alonso and our children. Each of these individuals has played a vital role in shaping who we are. Their guidance and commitment to service have been invaluable. They are the pillars of our foundation as we continue to pursue our purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hwlministry.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HWLMinistry/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HWLMinistry
