For the last 10 years, Willis Dady Homeless Services has hosted Hops for Housing, an annual beer festival with live music, local breweries, and pretzel necklaces to fundraise for their organization’s services.
The awareness-raising-focused event started in April 2015 and has grown to have more than 300 attendees engaging with staff and the mission of Willis Dady Homeless Services.
This year’s Hops for Housing is slated for April 12 at The Olympic South Side Theater from 2:30-5:30 pm. Pre-order tickets can be purchased online at givebutter.com/HOPS25 for $45 and day-of-event tickets are available for $50.
“It’s been really cool to watch Hops for Housing grow and evolve over the last 10 years,” former Willis Dady staff member and current supporter said in a release. “From different venues to
different breweries to adding a silent auction, the event has grown. What has remained consistent is the event’s focus on Willis Dady’s mission and programs. Willis Dady is a leader in homeless services in Iowa, and it’s great that this event can reach people who might not otherwise know what Willis Dady does. Beer is fun, music is fun, but helping Willis Dady help others is really what it’s about”.
Over the years, Willis Dady has developed relationships with popular breweries in the area. The samples are provided with an atmosphere that is welcoming and fun, creating a backdrop to support Willis Dady’s work in the community.
“Big Grove has been proud to support Willis Dady through their Hops for Housing event,” said Sam Tracy, Eastern Iowa market manager for Big Grove Brewery. “One of our core mantras at Big Grove is to ‘enrich the lives around you’ and we believe that Willis Dady is actively doing that in their work throughout the community”
With more than $40,000 raised annually, Hops for Housing plays a vital role in funding programs that empower individuals experiencing homelessness in Linn County by providing housing, employment and advocacy services.
“As we go into year 10 of hosting Hops for Housing here at Willis Dady, I am humbled by the growth of the event and the outpouring of support we continue to receive from the community,” said Alicia Faust, executive director of Willis Dady. “As our largest event of the year, we appreciate those that sponsor this event either with a financial or in-kind gift, those that purchase a ticket to attend, the breweries that donate their time and talents, and our wonderful volunteers who help us execute the event.”
Pre-order tickets are now on sale at givebutter.com/HOPS25. A limited-edition, 10th anniversary t-shirt is also available for pre-order through March 28 online, or limited quantities available at the event. Day ticket sales are $50.
All event proceeds support individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Linn County.
Willis Dady Homeless Services, located in Cedar Rapids, has been providing homeless services to Linn County since 1987. The organization serves more than 1,200 men, women, and families. Its mission is to empower all experiencing homelessness to build futures of self-sufficiency through advocacy, housing and employment. To learn more about Willis Dady’s services, or how to get involved, visit their website at www.willisdady.org or on Facebook or Instagram.
