At the Alberta Rose Theater last month, an unusual blend of talent captured the audience’s hearts as musicians, all seasoned professionals, accompanied first-time songwriters: parents who have faced homelessness.
Their emotional creations, developed for their children, were a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Ranging in style from pop to Spanish ballads, each song resonated uniquely, filled with love and yearning.
Hunter Chamberlain’s heartfelt lyrics to his 3-year-old son, Pogi, conveyed deep affection: ‘You strike like lightning, raining joy on everything.’
Danielle, another songwriter, expressed the light her five children brought into her life, writing, ‘You are the light. It’s never shined this bright. You are my take at life.’
Amber Osmondson also shared her heartfelt ode to her daughter, Selena, with the words, ‘Selena, you’re just like me. I love you, I wouldn’t change a thing. You saved my life, now follow your dream.’
These performances were set against a backdrop of emotional support, as the audience shed tears and clapped in joy.
Musician Bre Gregg noted the profound poetry that emerges when parents speak about their children, highlighting the beauty of their expressions.
The Lullaby Project, which originated from Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute in 2012, seeks to give struggling parents the opportunity to create lasting gifts for their children through music.
In Portland, the Oregon Symphony collaborates with the Path Home family shelter to run this local initiative, specifically designed for parents who have experienced homelessness while caring for young children.
This year marked the first time that the project also extended to include three mothers at Coffee Creek Correctional Institution, Oregon’s women’s prison.
All songs performed live were recorded professionally, providing families with a cherished keepsake of their creations.
Chamberlain, who appeared at the concert with his son, shared how the experience helped him find focus amidst the chaos of life.
‘It’s very easy to slip into a mindset where you feel like you’re not doing good enough,’ he said, reflecting on his journey.
His son’s admiration gave him strength, transforming his challenges into a source of motivation and hope.
Osmondson, who attended with her three children, felt deeply moved when she first heard her family’s song: ‘It teared me up.’
The concert was a celebration of achievement and connection, with some families, unfortunately, absent due to their challenging life circumstances.
Concert organizers noted one family could not attend due to a move into a new home, while another struggled with child protective services.
Path Home’s executive director, Brandi Tuck, emphasized the systemic reasons many families find themselves homeless, primarily due to insufficient income.
‘They work overnight at Taco Bell or they’re hotel housekeepers,’ Tuck explained. ‘Despite working really hard, they don’t make enough money to afford a two-bedroom apartment in Portland.’
According to Zillow, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Portland is $1,645, an amount exceeding what a minimum wage worker could earn in a month.
Domestic violence remains a significant contributor to homelessness, especially among women.
For those with children, options may include Multnomah County’s domestic violence shelter system or family shelters.
However, a closure on the horizon raises concerns for many families.
The Rockwood shelter in Gresham, one of the few family shelters available, is scheduled to close, forcing the 30 families currently residing there to relocate to motels and temporary locations.
Despite the county’s assurances regarding the transition, leaders of the nonprofit running the shelter have disputed its narrative, hinting at deeper issues at play.
Chamberlain’s experience at the Path Home Shelter last year remains fresh, as he reflected on the challenges he faced and how the Lullaby Project provided a sense of beauty and hope.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pen a lullaby that encapsulated the joy his son brings into his life.
‘It’ll get better,’ he affirmed, emphasizing the importance of perspective in difficult times.
The Lullaby Project not only nurtures creativity but offers a chance for families to find solace and strength through music.
For anyone experiencing domestic violence, resources are available through the domestic violence crisis line at 503.235.5333.
Additionally, individuals seeking shelter in Multnomah County should call 211 for assistance.
This initiative represents a lifeline, bringing beauty and hope into the lives of families navigating hardship, reaffirming the power of music and love in their journeys.
image source from：oregonlive
