August 24, 2005
A UMNS Feature
By Ciona Rouse

With guitar picks in hand and a song on their lips, homeless musicians are finding a place in the walls of North Sacramento (Calif.) United Methodist Church.

"I walked through these doors and this place greeted me. It has such an atmosphere here, such a soul of its own," said Lonnie Smith, a formerly homeless person who initiated weekly open jam sessions at the church.

Each Wednesday, homeless and formerly homeless musicians step off the streets of Sacramento and into the church building for music and sanctuary. The music of congas, drums, and acoustic and electric guitars fill an upstairs room of the church, where the musicians play in whatever genre moves them that day – blues, rock ‘n' roll, folk music.

For the homeless, having a weekly jam session in a safe, alcohol- and drug-free environment adds stability to life at least once a week, said the Rev. Linda Kelly, a United Methodist minister who directs a spiritual companions program at Loaves and Fishes. Kelly attends North Sacramento.

Run by Kelly's Loaves and Fishes program and hosted by North Sacramento, the 3-year-old jam session began when Smith, then a homeless musician, talked to Kelly about needing a place for music makers to gather and do what they do best.

Since the program's inception, Smith has quit drugs and alcohol and moved into an apartment. He said he has found a "family" at the church, where he is now a member. Smith takes the ministry of the jam session to the streets daily, recruiting musicians to participate and getting instruments donated to the program.

"He sees the jam session as his job," Kelly said.

Other members of the congregation are dedicated to the music too. Paul Vercoe, who has never been homeless, does not miss a week of jamming with the band on his bass guitar. The Rev. Brandon Austin, North Sacramento's pastor, occasionally grabs his guitar and joins the jam sessions as well. He sees the music ministry changing lives.

"Those who are finding life difficult, when they play their music it brings a joy, and their spirits just soar. They feel inspired, and it's inspiring to see that," Austin said.

Different musicians walk through the doors weekly. Occasionally, they organize a band and play for church services and functions.

Life on the streets is a daily fight for survival. Homeless people face each morning wondering how to get through the day and where they will get food, Kelly noted.

But within the walls of the church, the musicians find a home in the music and fellowship.

"We have a great time," Smith said. "We bond. Everybody walks away feeling a little better and able to make it through one more day."

United Methodist News Service
Ciona Rouse is a freelance writer in Nashville, Tenn.