NORTHAMPTON — Local organizations dedicated to helping veterans are joining forces with more than 30 musicians and bands March 4 to raise money for the cause.
The Veterans Association of Western Massachusetts is hosting its second annual Winter Music Festival, which will feature 14 continuous hours of live music at venues around the city. Proceeds are bound for Homeward Vets, a group that aids veterans suffering from chronic homelessness, according to the association.
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, localities across the country counted 49,933 homeless veterans in 2014, representing about 8.6 percent of the total homeless population.
“Our mission is to improve the living conditions of those veterans who are in most need of our assistance,” said David Felty, president of Homeward Vets. “No government program or other nonprofit agency in our area does what Homeward Vets is able to do. We redistribute furniture and home goods to veterans transitioning out of homeless situations and who are without life’s necessities.”
From noon until 10 p.m., The Deuce at the World War II Club — located at 50 Conz St. — will play host to the event and feature a speech by Mayor David Narkewicz. The Platform Sports Grill at 125A Pleasant St. will similarly feature live performances from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m., including a Jimi Hendrix-style rendition of the national anthem.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door.