Soul Beautiful Shares the Importance of Housing and Music 4 Shelter [INTERVIEW]

Soul Beautiful, an eclectic and positive funk group from the Twin Cities, will be performing at Simpson Housing Services’ Music 4 Shelter benefit concert on November 4. Band member Jess Pierce works at Simpson Housing Services as their Youth Services Program Manager. Listen as Jess shares more about the show and learn why it’s so important to show up for this cause.

Click here to listen to our interview on the Music in Minnesota podcast.

“Home for me equals safety,” Jess reflected. “I believe in the village. We have to village together if we want to interrupt cycles of homelessness.”

As a musician, space for rehearsals and jam sessions is a necessity for Jess. In her role at Simpson Housing Services, she knew young people needed a creative outlet too. At 66 West, youth supportive housing in Edina serviced by Simpson Housing Services, Jess made sure there was space for music.

66 West Recording Studio, Simpson Housing Services — The Recording Studio at 66 West, Youth Supportive Housing in Edina

“[Building a] music studio was 100% on my checklist…At 66 West we [work] with 16- to 24-year-olds. We have 39 efficiencies, so each young person has their own apartment. The building is just full of talent,” Jess cheered. “So, the first day I came in the building…there was music and poetry…there happened to be a couple of blank rooms, so I said, okay, we need a music studio.

“We partnered with local churches and our village…two years later we have a beautiful music studio!”

Simpson Housing Services is determined to breaking cycles of homelessness and poverty. For Jess, she works to ensure that the young people she works with never have to experience homelessness again. Through giving young people the resources to stability, and creativity, they are able to meet their fullest potential.

Looking forward to the show in November, Jess says to be ready for greatness.

“We want everyone to walk away feeling great,” she exclaimed.