Our story begins Easter, 2012. When I noticed how much of our wonderful Easter lunch was left, I knew I had to do something. I excused myself from the table and went to the local grocery store to purchase to-go containers. My wife was sick that day and unable to join us so our 5 sons and I loaded 25 meals in the car and headed towards downtown Dallas.
We did not have a plan. We had never done anything like this before. It started to rain but the rain didn't slow us down. When we came upon one gentlemen looking for his dinner in the dumpster, I simply asked, "Brother, can we provide you with a hot meal?" The man looked at us, smiled and then ran away with the hot meal in hand. We continued to drive around and found many individuals needing help. Within an hour, we had distributed all 25 meals. As we drove away, we saw many more that needed help.
When we returned home, the boys had many questions and asked how they could do more to help the homeless. Brooke and I quickly realized that this would be something that would not only be good for our family, but good for the community. We have stayed true to our commitment. No matter the number of volunteers, we go to the streets resolved to make a difference. As our shirts read, "we don't ask why, we just provide."
This initiative means a great deal to Brooke and me after we lost everything a few years ago. If it weren't for some key individuals in our lives, we would have been homeless. We have worked hard to rebound from this; thankfully with God, family and friends on our side, we are now able to give back to the community that has given so much to us. I truly believe everything happens for a reason.
As an organization we are successful when we give hope. When we put a smile on the face of someone who slept on the sidewalk the previous night. When we show them that people still do care. When we give a Christmas gift to a child who had none.
We are making a difference. But, more importantly, these under-served in our community are making a difference in our lives and we are blessed by every person we encounter.
We serve the homeless on the streets of Dallas and Denton County, Texas by providing: food - hygiene kits - pillows - socks - blankets - jackets and other items necessary for survival.
Our Christmas and Thanksgiving events are very special to all of us as we get a chance to help the young children and parents in our local communities in Dallas, Denton, and Grayson County.
Donations received will help to continue the mission of The Pearson Project which is to provide for those in need and to show that they have not been forgotten.
We are blessed by all the help we have received throughout the years. When we started this project, we had no idea that it would grow as it has. It now encompasses individuals, families, schools, sports teams, and corporations and extends from coast to coast as well as around the world. If you had met us years ago, you would not have known that we were one step away from living on the streets. Thankfully, we had help from friends and family. We would like to pay it forward by serving those in need today.
Thank you to all who have donated time, money and energy to help our community.
Respectfully,
Gary and Brooke Pearson
Organization name
Pearson Project
other names
The Pearson Project
Causes
Community Improvement, Housing, Shelter & Homelessness, Social Services
Operating Budget
Less than $100,000
Counties Served
Dallas, Denton, Grayson
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American
BIPOC Leadership
Neither/None
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
26785 E University Drive Suite 700