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Noise for the Needy is a Seattle-based non-profit organization whose goal is to raise money for charitable causes through the production of live music shows. The 5th annual festival, which took place June 11-15 and included shows from Talib Kweli, Matt and Kim, Two Gallants, Black Angels and many other musicians and bands, raised over $33,000 for the Urban Rest Stop, according to yesterday’s announcement.
Seattle’s Urban Rest Stop provides a clean, safe and welcoming facility where individuals and families can use restrooms, shower and laundry facilities at no cost to patrons. After a 2007 expansion to the Urban Rest Stop by the Low Income Housing Institute, the URS is able to serve more than 2,000 people each year.
According to Ronni Gilboa, program manager of Noise for the Needy, “The Urban Rest Stop will use this most generous gift to assist in covering the increased daily operating costs caused by [the facility’s] expansion.” The Expansion has caused a “75 percent increase in service delivery” to the organization, and funds “will be used to pay for the increased utility, cleaning and hygiene supplies, repairs and other related costs.”
Each summer, the Urban Rest Stop experiences daily wear of 800 people, providing 225 showers, 150 loads of laundry, and 500 restroom uses daily. “The money will also go to cover other basic necessities, including laundry and body soap, toothbrushes, razor blades and other supplies, the costs for which continue to rise. There also is a need for an additional paid staff member,” Gilboa said.
For more information on the organizations or to find out how to donate, visit the NOISE FOR THE NEEDY and URBAN REST STOP websites.
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