Community of Hope Weekend Returns to Uplift and Support Detroit’s Unhoused Population, Aug. 2-4

Date: 07/22/24

Detroit, MI

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, the Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) and The Right Productions, in collaboration with the City of Detroit, today announced the return of the Community of Hope weekend, scheduled for Aug. 2-4, 2024. This powerful initiative aims to energize, inspire and deliver a community push for solutions to the challenges of unhoused individuals and families in metro Detroit.

The weekend includes a Concert of Hope to benefit the unhoused and the Day of Hope, a day of service to serve the unhoused population. A portion of the Concert of Hope proceeds benefit the unhoused community.

“Many unhoused individuals in metro Detroit are not being considered homeless but lack access to safe, stable and secure housing – they are sleeping in cars, abandoned buildings, or bouncing from house to house. The Community of Hope collaboration seeks long-term, safe and affordable solutions and serves as a shining example of what we can accomplish together for our community’s most vulnerable,” said Linda Little, CEO, NSO.

This year’s Concert of Hope, happening Friday, August 2, 2024, will feature multi-Grammy-nominated artist KEM and THE S.O.S. Band and Loose Ends featuring Jane Eugene at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre. KEM is also the event’s 2023 NSO Igniter of Hope award recipient.  KEM’s enduring legacy is etched in his timeless music, unwavering dedication to philanthropy, and status as a modern music icon. His ability to touch hearts, convey emotions, and resonate deeply with listeners through the universal language of love leaves an indelible mark on the world.

“We are honored to once again partner with Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) and the City of Detroit to present this year’s Concert of Hope, featuring Detroit’s own KEM. This partnership emphasizes The Right Productions’ commitment to giving back to the community and supporting those in need,” said Shahida Mausi, President & CEO, The Right Productions.  “KEM’s incredible journey from homelessness to musical success serves as a beacon of hope and resilience. We believe his inspiring story and powerful music will resonate deeply with the community and bring much-needed attention to this important cause,” said Mausi.

Tickets for the Concert of Hope are available at TheAretha.com, ticketmaster.com and The Aretha box office only. Prices start at just $46. A portion of all ticket sales will go to NSO to provide resources for Detroit’s unhoused community.  The Aretha Amphitheatre is located at 2600 Atwater St. and Cass Park at 2733 2nd Ave. in Detroit.

The Day of Hope is a resource fair hosted at Cass Park that brings vital housing and other comprehensive wraparound services directly to individuals experiencing homelessness. Last year, the event served nearly 600 attendees with vital resources, including 750 meals and health screenings. Additionally, 675 bags of fresh produce and $10,000 in gift cards for groceries were distributed.

“Meridian is honored to be a major supporter of the Community of Hope weekend and continuing partner of NSO in addressing the critical issue of homelessness in Detroit. By supporting NSO and the Community of Hope partnership, we strive to inspire hope, foster resilience, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of Detroit’s most vulnerable populations,” said Kelly McDonald, Meridian’s Senior Director of Population Health and Clinical Operations.

Operated by Wayne Metro, CAM Detroit–the Coordinated Entry System for Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park connecting people experiencing homelessness with access to shelter and housing resources as they are available, will be onsite to process applications in real time.

In addition, the event includes:

• Freebies, including fresh produce, toothbrushes, NARCAN ®kits and haircuts;
• No-cost health screenings;
• Mobile showers;
• Record expungement assistance;
• Housing referrals;
• Supplemental food for older adults program information and sign-up;
• and more.

Detroit’s poet laureate, jessica Care moore will perform at the Day of Hope. The American poet is also the CEO of Moore Black Press, executive producer of BLACK WOMEN ROCK!, and founder of The Moore Art House 501(c)(3). During The Day of Hope jessica will be performing her jazz/soul/poetry record, Black Tea, led by pianist Jon Dixon featuring vocals by Ideeyah.

The Community of Hope Awards are presented during the weekend as well. The awards collectively recognize the efforts of various individuals in advocating for, supporting and leading the charge in the creation and maintenance of safe, stable and affordable housing as a foundation for thriving communities.

The 2024 Honorees are:

Spirit for Hope Award
Patricia Graham, Meridian

Pacesetter for Hope Award
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, State of Michigan

Champion of Hope
Mary Sheffield, Detroit City Council President

Igniter of Hope
Dan Gilbert, Gilbert Family Foundation

Added Little, “Together, we can create real change and end the housing crisis in metro Detroit. Join us in this cause to inspire hope and transform lives.”

Community members can participate in the Community of Hope weekend through sponsorship, individual donations, volunteering, offering an area of expertise or equipment donations. Sponsors will not only gain significant visibility but contribute to the resilience and well-being of the Detroit community. To learn about more ways that you can get involved, email corporateaffairs@nso-mi.org.

Sponsors of the Community of Hope weekend include Meridian, Knight Foundation, The Right Productions, Inc., Magna International, MGM Grand, Fifth Third Bank, Bedrock, Molina Healthcare, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, Henry Ford Health, Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Corewell Health, Arrow Strategies, Walker-Miller Energy Services, Mercantile Bank, MHT Housing, Business Office Consultants, LLC, Global Alliance Protective Group, GJC CPAs & Advisors, Sheilah and Harold Clay and Bridgett Feagin.

About Neighborhood Service Organization

Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO), a Detroit-based integrated health and human service agency, delivers community-based services and holistic programs for vulnerable populations. The agency provides behavioral health and primary care services, in addition to wraparound services that address barriers to housing, health and well-being. NSO serves 12,000 people annually in Wayne and Oakland counties. Learn more by visiting www.NSO-MI.org. For more information and to discuss partnership opportunities with NSO Contact Corporateaffairs@nso-mi.org.

About The Right Productions

Since 2004, The Right Productions, Inc. (TRP) has managed and operated the 6,000-seat Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre (formerly known as Chene Park) under contract to the City of Detroit. A true family affair, TRP was formed in 1996 by Shahida Mausi. She and The Right Productions have more than 25-years of success. TRP is also one of the founding members of The Black Promoters Collective (BPC). BPC is a coalition of six of the nation’s top independent concert promotion and event production companies. Rooted in cultural integrity and social consciousness BPC uses its portfolio of brands to consistently deliver superior content and services.  BPC is dedicated to elevating the experience of the Artists and Fans while reinvesting in the community, adhering to the highest standards, striving for economic equality, and creating a legacy in the industry for future generations.  For more information, visit therightproductions.com or blackpromoterscollective.com

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

FOR NSO
Jennifer Foster / jennifer@catalystmediafactory.com
Office: 313-462-0808 Ext.700
Cell: 586-212-3122

Niyja Gill / lagill@nso-mi.org
Office: 313-961-4890 Ext.1031
Cell: 313-938-6232

FOR THE ARETHA FRANKLIN AMPHITHEATRE
Erica Banks / ebanks@bankablemktg.com
Office: 313-989-4211
Cell: 313-412-0580