The ReThink initiative and four-time Grammy Award nominated singer-songwriter Jewel have unveiled a new song, “Home to Me,” to raise awareness for the benefits of public housing and to encourage Americans to rethink their perceptions of public housing.
“Home to Me” is available for free download at www.ReThinkHousing.org.
Once homeless, Jewel knows firsthand that a home is more than a place to live. “I’m so honored to share ‘Home to Me’ and my hope is that the song causes people to stop and rethink the importance of home. Millions of families, veterans, disabled and elderly citizens rely on public housing and I hope that through this new song people consider the positive impact of public housing,” says ReThink Ambassador Jewel.
Earlier this year, ReThink launched a contest asking Americans to share stories, photos and thoughts of why housing matters to them. Hundreds of people participated, and after a voting and judging process, ten finalist entries served as the inspiration to Jewel. A grand prize was awarded to Silvia Kearney of Akron, Ohio, and today, she meets Jewel at music venue The Mint in Los Angeles to hear a performance of the song her entry inspired.
“Americans believe that U.S. citizens deserve a safe and decent place to live, but there is little support for public housing. Public housing provides hope for a better future and it gives people a chance to get back on their feet,” says J. Len Williams, Chief Executive Officer at the Housing Authority of Columbus, Ga. “Jewel gives an incredible voice to this issue, and we’re thankful her new song ‘Home to Me’ speaks to the impact a home can have on the lives of individuals, families and communities.”
Public housing provides homes and services for approximately 2.2 million people in the U.S.; however, the need is much greater than that. At least half a million people including families, veterans, the elderly and disabled across the U.S. are waiting for public housing to become available.
ReThink: Why Housing Matters is an initiative that aims to encourage Americans to realize the benefits that public housing communities offer the greater community. Visit www.ReThinkHousing.org to hear Jewel’s perspective, and experience inspirational stories of public housing – and rethink its impact on individuals, families, and your own community.
