The eighth annual Walls of Love event returned to 11th and Holland Streets in Erie, offering free hats, gloves, socks, toiletries, and other essentials to anyone in need as colder weather approaches.
Bags filled with donated items were hung along a fence for people to take what they need. The effort extends beyond Erie, with Walls of Love organizing 100 walls across 36 states and Washington, D.C.
“I was homeless before for a few months, and you know, it’s my opportunity to give back,” said Craig Smith of the Erie City Mission.
“Show up and do what’s needed when I have the opportunity, and I enjoy giving back. Our streets were good to me when I was out here, and it was because of stuff like this and the Erie City Mission and those little tiny community organizations that look out for us,” said Missy McNally of Walls of Love.
For organizers and volunteers, the event was about providing necessities while supporting neighbors facing difficult circumstances.