Music builds homes
On Friday December 8th at 3pm, our Glenn Bridge neighborhood in Arden will be bustling with more activity than usual. Following a short speaking program, Warren Haynes will join volunteers, supporters, and future homeowner Paul Mack to raise the first wall of his new home, the 2023 Christmas Jam House, made possible with proceeds from the annual benefit concert. Sierra Nevada is the Adopt-a-Lot sponsor.
To date, Warren Haynes Presents: Christmas Jam has raised more than $2.8 million for Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, constructing 50+ Habitat homes and helping to pay infrastructure and development costs of entire Habitat neighborhoods. Fellow non-profit BeLoved Asheville is also a beneficiary.
Future homeowner and U.S. Veteran Paul Mack moved to Asheville in 2012 for a fresh start. He has been on a journey for housing and financial stability for over a decade. With the help and support of organizations throughout the community, he has diligently worked to improving his credit and pay down debt. Now through Asheville Habitat, he will purchase a 1 BR/ 1 BA one-level townhome. Paul’s dream of a warm home, his own porch, and yard to drive up to is coming true.
Volunteers from near and far will help build Paul’s home and serve in the Asheville ReStore as part of Asheville Habitat’s signature volunteer experience, Before the Jam, Lend a Hand. Local restaurants Gemelli, Luella’s BBQ, and Mellow Mushroom are feeding the helpers. Sierra Nevada and Devil’s Foot are providing non-alcohol beverages, and Merrell and Recover Brands are providing t-shirts and more.
Asheville Habitat’s Executive Director Andy Barnett noted, “Stable housing improves health, educational outcomes, financial stability, and strengthens social connections. By supporting affordable housing, The Christmas Jam helps folks like Paul thrive, instead of survive,” shared Andy Barnett, Chief Executive Officer of Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. “For over 30 years, the W&S Foundation has raised funds, mobilized volunteers, and brought awareness to Habitat’s work in an unprecedented way. The Christmas Jam is one of the bedrock partnerships that we celebrate as part of 40 years of building homes, communities and hope.”
Interested in helping the cause that Warren Haynes and The Christmas Jam support?
- There are a few volunteer slots available on Thursday, December 8th. Sign up here.
- Stop by the Habitat tables at The Christmas Jam to say hello, learn about programs, donate $1 to sign a stud wall which will be used in the construction of a Habitat house, and enter a raffle to win a VIP package for the 2024 Christmas Jam!
- Unable to attend the concert in person? Stream it on com.
- Drink Christmas Jam Ale by Sierra Nevada and Devil’s Foot Unity sparking soda in support of the cause.
- Make a secure online donation to Asheville Habitat. Select Xmas Jam House as the Purpose.
- Check out xmasjam.com for additional ways to support Asheville Habitat and BeLoved including Jam by Day events, vinyl/DV/CD album sales, and more.
