$62,000 Raised to Put Housing First!

July 02, 2019

Over $62,000 was raised at HousingFest 2019. Featuring Mandolin Orange, the concert to end homelessness was made possible through partnerships with Blumenthal Performing Arts, MaxxMusic, and Visulite Theater. The Chapel Hill based duo performed hauntingly beautiful melodies to high acclaim from festival goers. Attendees were also introduced to just a few of the many services provided by Urban Ministry Center & Men’s Shelter of Charlotte. A tent and sleeping bag in the lobby served as an invitation for folks to make donations of items that support the work of our Street Outreach team. Beautiful paintings on display throughout the venue showcased the talents of artists who participate in our ArtWorks 945 program. And of course HousingFest merchandise was available for sale, with proceeds benefiting the organization.

In addition to the stunning work of Mandolin Orange, the stage was shared with opening artist Daughter of Swords who followed Matt Olin and Tim Miner of CreativeMornings Charlotte. The dynamic duo shared a clever rendition of “Just the Two of Us” highlighting the recent merger of our two organization. For many, the most meaningful portion of the night was hearing from CEO Liz Clasen-Kelly as she interviewed Moore Place tenant Veronica Mathis. Veronica shared her hope with the audience – that many individuals experiencing homelessness can one day, like her, have a key to open their own door so that they can say, “this is mine.”

Photographer Daniel Coston captured the evening and some of his photos can be seen in our HousingFest 2019: Mandolin Orange Facebook photo album.

The Mandolin Orange show at Knight Theater was the culmination of a monthlong music and arts festival that brought the cause of ending homeless to EastSide Local Eatery, Tosco Music Party, Snug Harbor, and Charlotte Art League. Each event included live music and art displays, all from local talent.

Five years in, we are thrilled to announce that HousingFest has raised over $229,000 for the cause of ending homelessness in Charlotte.