Between a parent and child, a song can represent their unbreakable bond, a ritual to cling to when everything else is uncertain. That power of connection feels even more poignant when things typically taken for granted, like where you lay your head each night, aren’t secure.
Path Home is dedicated to aiding families experiencing homelessness, building up their dignity and promoting their autonomy through trauma-informed, culturally competent services on the way to gaining stable, long-term housing.
Together with the Oregon Symphony, the nonprofit’s Lullaby Project helps to quiet the outside noise, instilling a feeling of normalcy through a special sound and a story all their own. The program — originally conceived by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute — first came to Portland in 2018; this year, 10 local singer-songwriters are using the creativity and collaboration of songwriting to “improve the well-being of vulnerable families, strengthening bonds with their children and showing that we, as a community, care.”
The three-month process began in March, with the artists working one-one-one with each family and parent-to-be to write lyrics that capture their unique journey and dreams for the future with their child. Each arrangement will be professionally recorded and performed at a concert held at the Alberta Rose Theatre on Tuesday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.
“The lullabies being co-created by the musicians and families who are experiencing homelessness are deep, heartfelt, and joyful. A true display of the healing power of music and collaboration. I can’t wait for them to share their songs with us,” said Brandi Tuck, Path Home’s executive director.
All of the lullabies from previous years are available to listen to online.