CLEVELAND — Holly Jackson used to be homeless, but now she spends her time easing the burden of homelessness for others through her organization Walls of Love.
Jackson has used donations and cash from her own pockets to give to people in need. She assembles bags full of hygiene items, school supplies, and clothing and attaches them to walls across Cleveland for people to take what they need.
“It’s a very humbling thing to ask somebody for assistance. At the time I was homeless, I left a domestic violent situation. I had a job, I had a full-time job, which is why nobody would give me help at the time," Jackson said. "There’s a lot of people that work full-time jobs on a regular basis that are one paycheck away from being homeless. I spent some nights out on the streets. I did go to bed hungry a lot—that was a probably a really awful time to do that because I was pregnant at the time.”
According to The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, there are more than 4,000 people without a home to call their own every night.
Since November, Jackson has built 167 walls. In that time, she estimates she has helped about 19,000 people.
Jackson intends to do more next year.
On Oct. 26, Jackson will host a fundraiser to help raise money for donations.
The Fundraiser Spectacular will be held at the VFW at 3296 West 61st Street in Cleveland. The event is from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tickets are $35.
For tickets, call 216-882-9395 or email wallsoflove216@gmail.com.
This story is part of A Better Land, an ongoing series that investigates Northeast Ohio's deep-seated systemic problems. Additionally, it puts a spotlight on the community heroes fighting for positive change in Cleveland and throughout the region. If you have an idea for A Better Land story, tell us here.
