Louisville — A Louisville man is keeping his mother’s memory alive by helping people experiencing homelessness across the city.
DyLon Boone founded Touch of Terra to honor his mother, Terra Boone, who passed away unexpectedly in 2024. The initiative continues a tradition she began — preparing bags filled with essential items to give to those in need.
The bags include toothpaste, medical supplies, snacks, and other necessities, all packed into hundreds of blue kits designed to offer comfort and support.
Boone said his mother always believed in being ready to help others.
“She used to do this thing instead of giving a homeless person, say, $5 to $10 on the street, or some food, she kept these ready to go. Backpacks, a lot like the ones we’ve got assembled and piled up over there, in her car,” Boone said.
What started as a personal tribute has grown into a larger community effort. Boone said Touch of Terra aims to inspire hope for those experiencing houselessness — something he believes would make his mother proud.
“I think I can hear [her] saying it from heaven above is, ‘DyLon, I’m proud of you. I’m proud of what you built. I’m proud that you’re my son,’” Boone said. “And I’m proud that you’ve gotten so many members of your community together, especially my amazing Iron Tiger powerlifting team back here to come together and do something truly amazing.”
Boone said the impact of the outreach was clear from the beginning.
“There was a guy sitting out on the street, and he was watching all the backpacks come on through it, and I remember him looking me in the eye. ‘What are those for?’” Boone said. “Me? And I was like, ‘Yeah, of course they are.’”
Since 2023, Boone — along with friends and family — has distributed the bags to people in need. On Sunday alone, volunteers assembled 500 bags filled with essential supplies for distribution throughout the community.
“It’s really amazing to see the impact that this community has had, not only on Touch of Terra, but also on the lives of so many that are out on the streets,” Boone said.
For Boone, each bag represents more than just supplies — it’s a way to carry forward his mother’s compassion and ensure her legacy continues to make a difference.
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