Food & Drink
The Home Shows Effect: 90+ Seattle Organizations Join Pearl Jam to Raise Millions to Fight Homelessness
Here’s how you can support Pearl Jam’s The Home Show efforts
By Daria Kroupoderova August 7, 2018
Our city is buzzing this week with events as we gear up for Pearl Jam’s sold-out Home Shows, happening Aug. 8 and Aug. 10 at Safeco Field.
If you’ve been out of the loop, the legendary Seattle rock band announced in January its return to the city’s stage with two shows, in efforts to raise awareness (and money) to help alleviate homelessness in Seattle. The band will be donating $1 million from the concerts but have enlisted help from Seattle organizations with the initial goal of raising $10 million.
It has been three years since the city of Seattle declared a homelessness state of emergency. The most recent one-night count shows that the number of people experiencing homelessness in King County has grown to more than 12,000, making it the third largest homeless population in the country, with lack of affordable housing identified as one of the top causes of homelessness.
Seattle businesses and organizations stepped up to the plate. According to the Seattle Times, more than $11.5 million has already been raised, with that number certain to grow as this week continues. More than 90 restaurants, coffee shops and local organizations and individuals are donating money.
Want to help the cause? Here’s what you can do:
Eat out on Aug. 8 for The Home Shows Restaurant Night
Spearheaded by Angela Stowell, the new CEO of FareStart, a whopping 92 (and counting) restaurants will be donating 10 percent or more of their profits this Wednesday. Grab dinner before the concert and top it off with The Home Shows Sundae from Molly Moon’s, who is donating all profits from this delicious treat during the month of August.
Buy merch, beer, chocolate, bourbon and more
Though your chance to enjoy The Underground Wine Project’s “Home x Away” red blend disappeared in a mere 12 minutes, you can still purchase other goodies benefiting homelessness services in our city. Merch is already available at a booth across from Safeco Field and will be open until August 11. Georgetown Brewing brewed up a Home Shows Seattle Pale Ale, which will be available at Safeco Field during the shows, at local pubs and in cans at beer shops. Local Theo Chocolate released a dark chocolate bar, which will be sold at the concerts and is also available for purchase online. Heritage Distilling, a Gig Harbor distillery, produced a Brown Sugar Bourbon, that is available for purchase online and at the its tasting rooms in Capitol Hill and Ballard. Ace Hotels is offering a cute Pin For Pals, which represents the now long gone Kingdome. Trophy Cupcakes has created The Home Shows cupcake, which you can purchase until August 12. Want to get creative? Sign up for one of two Glassybaby’s glass blowing classes happening this week, where you can make a bowl, float or paperweight, while supporting The Home Shows Program.
Go see works by local artist who have experienced homelessness
Path with Art, a local art organization that works with people who recovering from homelessness and other trauma, have partnered with Pearl Jam on a limited-edition series of posters for The Home Shows. Though only two posters have been chosen for distribution, you can go see the 16 posters created for the project.
Volunteer your time
Nexus Youth and Families Home Show Project is in search of volunteers to help on Aug. 9 with sorting donations. Free that Thursday morning? Help them out.
Just send some cash
If you’re in a position to donate money, do it. Starbucks has joined Pearl Jam in fundraising efforts and will be matching donations 2:1 up to $500,000 until August 12.
Follow Us
Book Excerpt: Old White Man Writing
Seattle resident Joshua Gidding examines his own white privilege
In his book, Old White Man Writing, Seattle resident Joshua Gidding attempts to come to terms with his privilege. Gidding grapples with the rapidly changing cultural norms in 21st-century America while examining his own racial biases and prejudices. As Manhattan Book Review notes: “Old White Man Writing is an introspective deep dive into an eventful life…
Glacial Expressions
Local scientist and painter Jill Pelto spotlights climate change in a multi-artist show at Slip Gallery
The divide between the arts and sciences is long-fostered and well-documented. From elementary school onward, children are often singled out for their penchant for math or artistic ability and guided toward classes — and later careers — that align with their right or left brain tendencies. For Jill Pelto — a local climate scientist, painter,…
How Taproot Theatre Survived A Financial Crisis
Theatre is planning for its 50th birthday next year
Karen Lund vividly remembers that sinking feeling she had in the fall of 2023. That was when Lund, producing artistic director of Taproot Theatre Co., first realized that the financially strapped, midsized professional theatre in the Greenwood neighborhood might not survive. The theatre had already weathered the worst of the pandemic, but costs were mounting….
Humanities Washington Fights ‘Midnight’ Cuts
Nonprofit loses previously approved federal grants with little warning
The letter came without warning, like a slap in the face from an invisible hand. Humanities Washington CEO and Executive Director Julie Ziegler had already been talking with peers in other states, and she readied herself for the blow. The National Endowment for the Humanities (think DOGE) had terminated her nonprofit’s previously awarded federal grant…