ABOUT
I LOVE AVENUE

I Love Avenue started as a social movement in 2009 with one goal in mind: to make a positive impact in the lives of those in need.

 

Luis Martinez lost his father, brother and mother in quick succession, leaving him to fend for himself as a young teenager. It was during this time that strangers helped house him, feed him, clothe him, and employ him.  

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Out of gratitude, he wanted to give back, and so, I Love Avenue was born. Fresh out of high school, Luis enlisted a group of his friends to pay it forward by doing "random acts of love". He and his friends would prepare food, and drive around the streets of Downtown Miami giving meals to the homeless, something close to Luis' heart. They would also collect toys and throw holiday events for families, and Luis would use his DJ talent to bring joy through music to families who could not typically afford a DJ.

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As the movement picked up momentum, and in an effort to gather support for his dream, Luis applied to have his social movement become an official 501(c)3 non-profit. After years of hard work and dedication, the organization was granted non-profit status in 2020.

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Since the beginning, I Love Avenue has completed hundreds of acts of love. Just as an avenue has several houses, I Love Avenue strives to support the community (and the volunteers!) in several ways - whether it is mentally, emotionally, financially, spiritually, or physically.

 

Countless LoveBlock parties, homeless outreaches, beach clean ups, toy drives, supply drives, and partnerships later...our dream is to keep growing and impacting our communities!