Songs for Shelter, Philippines
Featured artist Reneé Dominique and her family share the same mission as Songs for Shelter. Given the gift of music, they believe that it can be a channel to holistically help children and their families have a better life. They joined San Diego Youth Services to create a concert that benefits homeless youth both in San Diego and in Manila. Donations from Songs for Shelter 2020 benefit youth in the Philippines.
Manila’s Youth in Crisis
A community of almost 200 youth, ranging from ages 2-19, live in makeshift houses under a small bridge. When it’s raining, the creek floods and they all have to move up into the street or move out to a government barangay, or village, hall.
Volunteering for Change
Reneé’s dad Ding Pionso has been helping disadvantaged children for the past three years. As a part of several outreach programs, he and other volunteers serve weekly meals, organize medical and dental care, and send unschooled youth to alternative learning systems by partnering with local government programs. During the pandemic, he has organized a livelihood program for mothers and their families to help them have their own small business.