“Art is my bridge over troubled waters. People in crisis face situations that are exhausting, terrifying and all-consuming. The opportunity to create, engage and relax cannot be overlooked.” – Katie Church, Community Relations Specialist, Urban Ministry Center

When helping people in crisis, especially those experiencing homelessness, the first urge many of us have is to take care of their immediate physical needs — food, clothing, shelter.

While all of that is, indeed, necessary, the needs of the spirit and the soul can be overlooked. But, not at the Urban Ministry Center.

Years ago, a volunteer offered to develop an art program for men and women being helped. Today, it’s one of the most popular and effective programs they have, providing those in the classes a powerful outlet to share their daily reality with others inside and outside of the Center.

Music Brings People Together to End Homelessness

This year’s HousingFest poster was designed by CPCC student, Cristina Isshiki’.

It’s programs like these that enable Urban Ministry Center to grow their mission to bring the Charlotte together to end homelessness one life at a time outward into the community.

The belief that creativity can draw people together and engage their attention on the need to strengthen our community by lifting others up also informed the creation of HousingFest in 2014. Community Relations Specialist, Katie Church, and others recognized the power of music to engage people and raise needed funds for the work of the Urban Ministry Center.

You Now Have Last-Minute Plans for tomorrow night.

With the help of Maxx Music and an impressive collection of corporate partners, HousingFest thrived and tomorrow night, June 20, they’re cranking the amps at Knight Theater for an evening concert with bluegrass group Mandolin Orange.

Funds raised through the program will help fund the Center’s housing program, which works to provide permanent, supportive housing for some of the 400 people experiencing chronic homelessness in Charlotte right now.

Since it’s inception, HousingFest has raised nearly $167,000. Tomorrow night’s event is an opportunity to grow that number and it serves as a celebration of the merger between the Urban Ministry Center and the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte. And, it’s a chance to show that creative solutions can combat Charlotte’s community challenges.

“We want [HousingFest] to feel supremely Charlotte in nature,” said Church.

To purchase tickets for the concert, click here.