JOHN MELLENCAMP PITCHES IN TO HELP UNHOUSED WORLDWIDE
(Toledo, OH) 1Matters.org today announced the release of Grammy award-winning singer John Mellencamp’s efforts to help those who have lost domestic autonomy worldwide.
These efforts include the global release of:
1) Public service announcements promoting World Homeless Day (WHD) to be held 10/10/10. The purpose of World Homeless Day is to urge communities to use their local resources to draw attention to the needs of the unhoused, as well as provide opportunities for the community to come together to respond to homelessness.
2) A print interview conducted with exclusive rights of distribution to the world’s street papers. This print exclusivity helps to provide financial autonomy for the poor or unhoused vendors selling one of the 110 street papers in 40 countries.
3) A call to other recording artists and celebrities, whether on the road or at home, to matter by making unprompted stops at local shelters and kitchens with the sole purpose of showing “every 1Matters.”
According to HUD, due to foreclosure and job loss, the number of families
with children who have lost domestic autonomy and are on the streets and in
shelters is up 30% since 2007.
“It’s not right that kids have to live on the street; it’s not right anyone has to live on the street,” Mellencamp says. “In this country right now there is no middle class, no place for middle class. You are either really rich or you are really down and out. It’s hard times in this country right now.”
Common perceptions of the “homeless” do not include many of those who are now unhoused, such as families with children. According to 1Matters founder Ken Leslie, “Most people associate the word ‘homeless’ with the stereotypes of those living on the streets. Fact is they only represent 15% of those who are unhoused in the US. Those who do not have “domestic autonomy”, including those doubled-up with friends or family define the entire scope.”
Before a concert in 2007, John Mellencamp made an unprompted visit to an awareness-raising Tent City in Toledo, OH, which sparked the founding of 1Matters.org. 1Matters works to change public perceptions of the unhoused and to involve local communities in ending homelessness.
According to Mellencamp’s publicist Bob Merlis, “John was touched by the experience in Toledo and has continued his support not only for 1Matters, but all of those who have lost domestic autonomy in our nation.” Mellencamp’s involvement in promoting World Homeless Day on 10/10/10 is another act in his long history of standing with those whose voices are often unheard in their communities.
The public service announcement and exclusive interview can be located at Mellencamp.com or 1Matters.org websites.
