Holy trumpets on fire -- Gimme Shelter 2024 was a huge success! Thank you to the almost 200 people who showed up and rocked out with us to the Dusty 45s in support of Downtown Emergency Service Center’s mission to end homelessness. We raised over $192,000 – coming SO close to achieving our fundraising goal of $200,000. (There’s still time to donate; we’re only $8,000 away: click here to help us achieve our goal.)

The evening kicked off with our program spotlight, Mission Possible: Adaptive Approaches to Homelessness, featuring a panel of homelessness and harm reduction experts. Attendees then made their way to the ballroom to dance to the bold and brassy sounds of the Dusty 45s. Lead singer Billy Joe shared his personal story of how DESC helped his older brother, Matt, find housing and support almost 16 years ago (listen to Billy Joe’s story).

At DESC, we choose to serve a community of people facing some of life's greatest obstacles, like severe mental health challenges, substance use disorders, chronic health issues, and long-term homelessness. Like you, we believe that every person has dignity and deserves housing. And we know that permanent supportive housing is the best way to help people achieve their healthiest, happiest lives. Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets, attended the event, or donated. We couldn't do this work without you.

Note: Plymouth UCC sends quarterly support to Downtown Emergency Service Center from the Steven Williams bequest, authorized by the Community Service & Social Action Board.