One of our favorite things about publishing Macaroni Kid is the chance to connect with other moms in our community. Often times these connections inspire us and remind us of the ability of one person to make a difference. It is with this in mind that we launch a new article series called Awesome Mama. Our hope is to introduce you to some amazing moms living right in our communities who not only are doing unique and wonderful things but also deserve to have some attention brought to their mission.
It is an honor to introduce you to Kristine Moreland, founder of The MORELove Project. This local mom has been working with Seattle’s homeless community for over 5 years, and has served alongside Seattle's Union Gospel Mission for the past 4 years helping to end our homeless problem.
The MORELove Project is the culmination of her dedication and unwavering commitment to the men, women and children who are found living in vehicles, under roads, under freeway ramps, and other places throughout downtown Seattle.
In her own words, “My life goal is to ensure that each and every person I meet on the streets knows that they are loved.”
What is your MISSION? What do you want to accomplish?
My mission is to bring more awareness to our homeless community. I don't only want to help bring people out of homelessness but I want to prevent people from becoming homeless. We are currently working together with the Seattle Police Department, Seattle schools and other organizations to bridge the gap of the lack of resources our city currently has available. My mission is also to involve volunteers that have never been part of working with the homeless community by connecting them directly with families we are working with. This gives people that otherwise never would have had the option or outlet the opportunity to start helping to pay it forward.What inspired/encouraged you to start your More Love Project?
I was inspired to start the MORELove project after serving on the Search and Rescue van through Seattle's Union gospel Mission. What I noticed is we had a gap of resources that were available when someone had an immediate need such as short term hotel stays or bus tickets home to their families.
I was inspired to start the MORELove project after serving on the Search and Rescue van through Seattle's Union gospel Mission. What I noticed is we had a gap of resources that were available when someone had an immediate need such as short term hotel stays or bus tickets home to their families.
What part does your child play in your current mission?
My child plays a huge role in my mission. I want to teach him that compassion to human kind is one of the most important traits one can have. I want my son to be empowered to know that he can make a difference in someone's life - even if it's just one person at a time. Before having children I didn't truly understand the importance of teaching them how to leave a lasting footprint on this earth.
My child plays a huge role in my mission. I want to teach him that compassion to human kind is one of the most important traits one can have. I want my son to be empowered to know that he can make a difference in someone's life - even if it's just one person at a time. Before having children I didn't truly understand the importance of teaching them how to leave a lasting footprint on this earth.
What lesson are you learning through this process?
The lesson that I am learning is that love truly does win all and that everyone deserves to have a constant in their life. If we all just step up and do a little more we would be living in a much happier world.
What can we do to support you and More Love Project?
Please visit themoreloveproject.org and donate. 100% of the proceeds donated goes towards our mission of helping the homeless community. We are also a full 5013c. You can also get together and make blessing bags with your children and pass them out on the streets.
You can also follow The MoreLOVE Project on Facebook and share it with your friends.
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- LINDA GUARD is a Generation Joy board member and has experienced its impact both here in our community and in Africa. She also has an important message about kids and volunteering.
- DEBBIE BERTO is on a mission and working with the non-profit - Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park - to advocate for park improvements and to bring new events and people to the park.
- SHYANNE OLSEN is on a mission not only to put books in the hands of kids and their parents but also to make a difference in the everyday lives of people living in her community.
- SUSAN HUSA is on a mission to create a group where mothers are welcomed, informed and inspired in their community.
- RACHEL MARK is on a mission to start the Wildcat Swimming Club to share her love of swimming with others in our area.
- DIANE GOCKEL is on a mission to share her love for animals and tell their stories to kids and their parents.
- WENDY STONE is on a mission to "live life to the fullest" which led her - and two other friends - to launch a local winery called Pearl and Stone Wine Co.
- HEATHER MATTHEWS is on a mission to make a difference in her community by raising money and awareness for the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank.
- KAYSEE HYATT is on a mission to build community awareness for pediatric stroke and hope for impacted children and families.
- JULIE PARKER is on a mission to complete a marathon in every state by the time she turns 50 years old. 50 by 50.
- JAMIE MENOLD is on a mission to raise awareness of and funds for pediatric cancer research.
- KRISTEN BRANTNER is on a mission to make a difference in the future of rare disease and created a local non-profit called RAREevents.
- CHRISTIE MALCHOW is on a mission to make sure the city hears the voices of young families and is running for Sammamish City Council.
