Written by Bobbie Keller

“Neighbor, neighbor, can’t you see… lots more housing’s what we need…”

Those words were part of a call-and-response song that StreetSong led at the annual Homeless Day on the Hill program at Central Presbyterian Church in St. Paul on March 12. Of course, these words were also the theme of the day.

StreetSong is a small community choir comprising formerly homeless individuals and people who care about the issue. It was founded in 2014 by Bill Mathis, former Director of Music and Fine Arts at Hennepin, and Teri Larson, former Music Director at the Basilica of St. Mary. (Both are now retired.) As a member of StreetSong, I enjoy being part of the group not only because I like to sing, but because I have come to know people I would not have met otherwise. We meet Mondays at 12:30pm at Central Lutheran Church and always welcome new singers.

On March 12, we began the program with song, and two of our members—both formerly homeless—spoke about how membership in StreetSong has enriched their lives. We sang five songs, continually inviting the audience to join us and/or clap along to the beat. I felt as if we were cheerleaders, firing up the crowd.

The main program consisted of a series of speakers, including two young people, two legislators, people representing nonprofits that work with this issue, and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. The common theme was the importance of housing stability—the principle that everyone, child or adult, has a right to a safe, affordable home. StreetSong closed the program by reprising one of its rousing songs as people began to leave to talk with their legislators.

I was impressed with the number of people there to support the issue and, as the speakers continued, how many times their words were punctuated with hearty applause. One speaker said he looked forward to the day when we no longer need to have a day like this.

It was an interesting day for me; I’m glad I could be a part of it. But, like that speaker, I hope someday there will come a time when homelessness is no longer an issue in Minnesota.