Homeless Helping Homeless presents Silent Voices: Silent No More

“Silent Voices: Silent No More,” is an evening of music, spoken word, theater, dance and visual arts at Tapp’s Arts Center on Main Street Thursday, November 16, 2017. Doors open at 6 p.m. with a silent auction and light refreshments. The show begins at 7 p.m.

Performances during the event are based on the life experience of members of the Columbia homeless community which give a glimpse of their lives on the street and show how we are all more alike than different. Most of the performances are presented by the homeless artists with additional assistance from community artists. Appearing will be jazz singer Sara Williams, the Spiritual Gumbo Drummers and John Starino, spoken word poet. Trinessa Dubas of NiA Company and Director Larry Hembree will be this year’s Masters of Ceremonies. This inspirational community event is being coordinated with the help of Darion McCloud and members of the Nia Company.

Homeless Helping Homeless is a non-profit organization formed in Columbia in May 2010.  Our purposes are to build self-esteem self-reliance, and to find solutions to the unique obstacles that homeless people face. We want to educate the public about homelessness, to help remove the negative stereotypes associated with homelessness, and to present the homeless as employable, respectable, responsible and productive citizens. Through public appearances, singing and speaking throughout the city, we are changing the face of homelessness and we would like to have even more opportunities for public appearances.   Besides members of the homeless community, the group is made up of a network of grassroots organizations and supporters helping to build bridges, empower change and ultimately end homelessness.

Tickets to Silent Voices are general admission with a suggested donation of $10 at the door.  Proceeds from admissions go directly to the performers. During the event, there will be information on how to make tax deductible contributions to Homeless Helping Homeless to support ongoing work.