Composer Laureate launches Concerts for Caring to help unhoused community members

City of Detroit Composer Laureate Patrick Prouty is partnering with Saints Peter and Paul Jesuit Church and United Way for Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM) to present Concerts for Caring, a free winter concert series and donation drive benefiting Detroiters experiencing homelessness.

The partners are reaching out to residents across the region to drop off items for those in need. Concerts for Caring aims to uplift local musicians while supporting neighbors in need throughout the winter season.

The public is invited to attend live performances at the church, located at 629 East Jefferson Avenue, on the following dates:

• Saturday, January 10 at 7 p.m.
• Sunday, February 22 at 3 p.m.
• Sunday, March 22 at 3 p.m.

Register for tickets at: concertsforcaringdetroit.eventbrite.com.

The January concert will feature headliner Gayelynn McKinney's Straight Ahead Trio and The JC Heard Jazz Week @ Wayne State All-Stars. Headliners for the February and March concerts will be announced in January.

This series represents the second event jointly sponsored by the City Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship (Detroit ACE) and UWSEM; the two organizations previously partnered on the COVID-19 Belle Isle Memorial in 2020.

"We are so thrilled to partner with United Way for Southeastern Michigan on this much-needed endeavor," said Rochelle Riley, the City's Director of Arts and Culture. "This is a particularly harsh winter, and I know the region will step up to show how much we all care about each other."

"We are excited to support the City of Detroit's Concerts for Caring series because it brings people together around a shared commitment to help our neighbors meet their basic needs," said United Way for Southeastern Michigan's President and CEO, Dr. Darienne Hudson. "This series is a meaningful way to raise awareness and resources for families across our region, and we are proud to partner in an effort that connects community, culture, and impact in a tangible way."

"Leveraging our role in the community, we are helping identify places and partners where individuals and families can donate essential supplies to support their Detroit neighbors in need," she added. "Whether delivered to the Fisher Building, at our Fulfillment Center, or through partner organizations like MiSide and Franklin Wright Settlements, these donations will go directly to families and the organizations that serve them every day."

Donations collected will be distributed directly to partner organizations and Detroit families through existing community channels. The drop-off centers are:

• United Way Fulfillment Center, 13660 Stansbury Ave., Detroit, MI 48227 Hours: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday-Thursday
• The Fisher Building (Main Floor), 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202 Hours: 24 hours / 7 days a week
• MiSide, 2835 Bagley, Suite 800, Detroit, MI 48210 Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday
• Franklin Wright Settlements, 3360 Charlevoix, Detroit, MI 48207 Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday
• The Pope Francis Center, 438 Saint Antoine Street Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday: 12-1:30 p.m. Thursday: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Pope Francis accepts only the following items: socks, undergarments, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, warmers, hats, and gloves. These items will be collected during the concert series and delivered directly to the Center for distribution to guests using the Center's services.

The United Way distribution centers are accepting all of the urgently needed items listed below:

Items needed most are listed below:

Home Goods: Bedding, blankets, bed frames, mattresses, dressers, toddler beds and bedding, pillows, lamps, sofas, end tables, ottomans, bookshelves, dining tables and chairs and highchairs.

Kitchenware: Bakeware, pots and pans, small appliances (Crockpots, coffee makers, toasters), utensils, glassware, dinnerware, knives, cutting boards, oven mitts and dish towels.

Household Basics: Batteries, cleaning supplies, mops, brooms, buckets, dish soap, laundry detergent, hand soap, hangers, trash bags, dishwasher pods, laundry baskets, light bulbs and paper products (tissues, paper towels, toilet paper).

The Detroit ACE office works to enhance and grow investment in the fine and performing arts, unique culture, and powerful history with a special focus on entrepreneurship and support for Detroit's creative workforce. Follow @detroitcityarts on Instagram and Facebook. See six years' worth of ACE work heyzine.com/flip-book/ACEAchievements.