MIAMI (WSVN) - A choir has geared up to become South Florida’s next voice in awareness for the homeless.
This group at Camillus House uses their voice to raise awareness for issues affecting homeless people, as they once were.
Lourmis Ellison is one singer in the choir and said it does more than bring awareness. “It’s very therapeutic,” she said. “I’m myself. No judgment, no weird faces.”
Camillus House is where members live or receive services as they prepare for their first public performance. “It’s an awesome feeling to come here and get an opportunity to sing,” said Marshawn Lacy, another choir member. “To be around spiritual people and people you can trust.”
The program is funded by a grant from the non-profit program Guitars Over Guns. The non-profit is designed to use music, art and dance as a way to connect with and mentor students from underprivileged areas.
Alumni from this program are members of the choir, as well. Choir director Jene Gayol said the group has come a long way.
“We’ve gone from singing songs with melodies in unison to now singing very intricate, complicated parts and harmony,” said Gayol. “They’re starting to get comfortable with singing with others.”
Gayol added that this program has rewards of its own for himself. “People saying, ‘What you’re doing is so great,'” he said. “In truth, the work that we do fills us up more than anything I could do for whomever we work with.”
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