Caritas Vocal Ensemble Holds Benefit Concert for Avenues for Youth
The nonprofit Avenues for Youth says it is a seeing greater need for helping youth who are experiencing homelessness as pandemic benefits expire.
“What we are seeing now that we are two years into the COVID pandemic is that some of the benefits that were available to people that helped stabilize them are no longer there,” said Katherine Meerse, executive director. “We’ve got the eviction moratorium has happened, enhanced benefits have disappeared so we’re seeing the need go up.”
Meerse says Avenues for Youth supports more than 300 young people every year who are experiencing homelessness through their shelters in Brooklyn Park and North Minneapolis.
Katherine Meerse, executive director
As the fiscal year ends, it’s asking for community support. Caritas Vocal Ensemble is planning a benefit concert on May 15 at 3 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Tickets are $10, with all benefits going to support Avenues for Youth.
Caritas Vocal Ensemble, a choir based in the Twin Cities, performed its first season with the purpose for raising money and awareness for people in need. Proceeds support nonprofits across the Twin Cities, particularly human services organizations. Over the years, they’ve raised $200,000 for local charitable organizations.
“I’m proud to say that Caritas Vocal Ensemble has been making a difference in our communities for twenty years. Not only will guests get a special performance at our 20th anniversary concert, but their attendance will help support youth experiencing homelessness,” Katie Hines, a choir member, said in a press release.
There’s COVID-19 protocol for the May 15 show. You must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test from past 72 hours, and masks must be worn during the performance. You can register and purchase tickets here.
