Collective Souls Holding Space

Collective Souls Holding Space (CSHS) is a grassroots, trauma-informed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Albany, New York. Founded on June 16, 2021, by Carrie Love (known throughout the community as “Love”), during the COVID-19 pandemic, CSHS emerged in direct response to escalating local violence, compounded community trauma, social isolation, and longstanding systemic gaps in care. Ms. Love legally changed her last name to *Love* as a reflection of her belief 

that the world needs more LOVE in it.

Love is a community leader and high priestess, devoted to service 

as a calling, rooted in compassion, respect, and dignity for all people. 

Choosing to work quietly and outside of the spotlight, she believes communities thrive when individuals care for one another with presence, humility, and discretion. Love believes it is essential to protect the privacy and confidentiality of those seeking assistance, recognizing that 

asking for help can be difficult and, when mishandled, can feel degrading. 

Love creates and holds inclusive spaces for peace, healing, and reflection in response to the human need for wellness, belonging, and connection. Guided by the belief that love is both a daily spiritual practice 

and a responsibility, she brings people together through trauma-informed, community-centered practices, grounded in care and mutual respect. Through her work at Wonderland, a community wellness center in Albany, New York, Love offers wraparound support, care coordination, 

conflict mediation, and reflective practices in service of collective wellbeing.

CSHS is grounded in the African philosophy of Ubuntu, 

“I am because we are”, which emphasizes interconnectedness, dignity, compassion, accountability, and collective responsibility. 

Rather than attempting to “fix” individuals or communities, CSHS engages people as partners, building skills, strengthening relationships.