About Touch of Terra - Our Mission & Story

Our Mission

We distribute. We provide ready-to-go backpacks filled with food, hygiene items, and essentials to those experiencing homelessness in Louisville.

We educate. We work to change hearts, minds, and assumptions about homelessness through community advocacy and outreach.

We advocate. We push for systemic solutions that address root causes and help people rebuild their lives with dignity.

Support Our Mission — Fund a Backpack ($50)

What Your $50 Provides

"I haven't had clean socks in weeks. Thank you." — Backpack recipient

What's Inside Each Backpack

Every backpack we distribute is thoughtfully packed with essential items that provide immediate relief and dignity to those in need.

Food Items

Non-perishable meals, snacks, and nutrition bars

Hygiene Products

Soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and sanitizer

Clothing

Socks, underwear, and weather-appropriate items

First Aid

Band-aids, antiseptic, pain relief medication

Resources

Local service guides and emergency contacts

Personal Touch

Handwritten notes of encouragement and hope

Fund a Backpack ($50)

Our Vision for the Future

We envision a community where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring. While Touch of Terra focuses on direct backpack distribution, we actively advocate for broader systemic changes:

Housing First

We advocate for housing-first policies that prioritize getting people into stable housing quickly, then providing wraparound support services.

Education & Training

We advocate for expanded job training, life skills, and educational programs that help people achieve long-term stability and independence.

Mental Health Support

We advocate for expanded access to mental health and addiction services, recognizing these as health issues that require compassionate treatment.

Community Building

We advocate for a community culture of inclusion, understanding, and mutual support where everyone has value and opportunity.

Our Journey

2022

The Vision Begins

After losing Terra, DyLon felt called to honor her memory through meaningful action. The idea of providing backpacks filled with essentials was born.

Early 2023

First Backpacks

The first 25 backpacks were assembled and distributed in downtown Louisville, marking the humble beginning of Touch of Terra's mission.

Mid 2023

Growing Community

Word spread about the initiative, and community members began volunteering and donating supplies. The first regular volunteers joined the mission.

Late 2023

Official Organization

Touch of Terra became an official nonprofit organization, enabling broader fundraising efforts and community partnerships.

2024

Expanding Impact

Partnerships with local shelters and service providers were established. Educational workshops and advocacy efforts began in earnest.

Today

Growing Movement

With over 500 backpacks distributed and growing community support, Touch of Terra continues to expand its reach while staying true to Terra's legacy of compassion.

How We Turn $50 Into Real Help for Someone in Need