Helen Keller said “The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen, or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.” Walls of Love, a remarkable non-profit founded in the heart of Cleveland Ohio, is on a mission to spread love and help those experiencing homelessness and in need without stigma one wall at a time. Holly Jackson, founded this nationwide initiative that helps to impact “individuals and communities in need.” I was thrilled to interview Holly, who is filled with positive energy, giving, and kind.
“I only had the intention of doing one wall, but that is not the calling that I ended up receiving. I ended up connecting to the people in my city that needed help on such an emotional and spiritual level that this journey has now led me to my 3800th wall as of November 2024.” Holly Jackson
Prior to founding Walls of Love Holly had experienced hard times. She was pregnant and experiencing homelessness along with being in a domestic violence situation. She knew first hand what feeling hopeless felt like and how lonely the world could feel. With a lot of persistence, resilience, and grit Holly overcame her difficulties and hardships. These moments in her life forever changed her and wanted to give back to her community in Cleveland Ohio. Walls of Love was intended to be a one time event. However the 3800 walls placed since 2018 speaks to the power, love, help, and hope each wall brings. Holly has been to every Wall of Love except one. Over one million items have been donated. Over 2700 communities have been impacted with a plethora of positives by Walls of Love.
“Providing basic necessities for those in need to change local communities through acts of love, compassion, and empathy.” Walls of Love
Walls of Love are set up in communities and neighborhoods in need. Each wall begins when someone reaches out to Walls of Love wanting to put a wall. If the location is selected, dedicated Walls of Love volunteers go into action to get regional volunteers and donors to help gather items such as hygiene products, non-perishable food, gloves, socks, hats, and blankets for the upcoming Wall of Love. Every Wall of Love is judgement-free and a safe-space. Fundraising and gathering of items is a year round. There have been Walls of Love walls that children have been instrumental in creating, teaching children the power of empathy and compassion towards others experiencing hardships.
“Walls of Love, a 501c3 non-profit organization, gives donors/volunteers an opportunity to pay it forward in a meaningful way within your local community; one wall at a time.” Walls of Love
Walls of Love had additional initiatives in addition to their beautiful Walls. During the holidays they make holidays “Bearable” for cancer patients by collecting brand new Teddy Bears for the Children’s Cancer Unit and Ronald McDonald House. School supplies are collected and donated, during holidays Walls of Love provides gifts and food to people. When winter season approaches they increase the amount of winter gear for people to take. Holly, who has a soft spot for Veterans, talked of a moment when a Veteran approached a Wall of Love asking if he could take a pair of socks. In conversation with Holly he shared how this moment helped him feel seen and cared for. There is great power in kindness, giving, and even one pair of socks. Year round they fundraise and all profits go back into Walls of Love. Holly, works full time, is completing a Master’s degree while putting heart, soul, and time into touching as many lives with Walls of Love.
“We have provided aid to over 1,000,000 individuals facing poverty and experiencing homelessness with basic necessities and winter gear.” Walls of Love
Holly shared a powerful moment at one of the Walls of Love. A man drove up in a Mercedes and asked if he could take some hygiene items. As he and Holly talked a tow truck drove up and took his car as it had been repossessed. This man’s daughter had died from cancer. He and his wife cared for her until her death along with caring for her four children. They were continuing to raise their grandchildren and did not have the money to pay for the car. This was a reminder for Holly, and all volunteers, that you never truly know what is going on with someone. Being there for someone with kindness and compassion will always make a difference.
“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” Claire Pooley
With joy and honor we shine the Kindness Champion spotlight on the incredible Walls of Love. Holly Jackson’s decision to pay it forward to help people experiencing homelessness and in need is making a difference. Where love is leading the way in changing lives by providing love, items, compassion and help to people and places where it is needed. One million people have been helped, yet with the dedication of Holly and the Walls of Love volunteers, one million more people and many more communities will be helped and impacted in the most loving ways. We thank you for being you and bringing your awesomeness to the world.
For more information on the incredible Walls of Love or to help out here is their information:
Website: https://www.wallsoflove.com/
X (Formerly Twitter): @WallsofLove1 https://x.com/WallsOfLove1
Instagram: @walls_of_love https://www.instagram.com/walls_of_love/
Facebook: @WallsofLove https://www.facebook.com/wallsoflove1/
