Bridging the gap between homelessness and hope one family at a time

1920S Style Rent Party Benefit, HIP raises the rent for families facing homelessness

On Saturday, November 19, 2011, HIP held a 1920s Style Rent Party to benefit the (HIP) mission. Rent parties were started in Harlem, NY in the 1920s as an innovative means for individuals to keep a roof over their heads during tough economic time, not unlike the times we are experiencing today! These parties were given to help the host raise the rent. Components of a rent part included: Jazz music, southern soul food, poetry reading and dancing. Guests paid a small admission fee and/or made a donation. This video recorded on November 19, 2011 shows Cecelia B. Hodges, Ph.D. reading an essay called "jazz" written by Frank London Brown, and a poem, “Madam and the Minister” written by Langston Hughes. Hodges is also Founder/Director of the People's Verse Speaking Choir, Princeton, NJ, and of course a dedicated supporter of HIP!

Please consider a donation today!

View the photo gallery to see images from the afternoon.

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