FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MIRACLE METERS PROGRAM
October 15, 2009

Homeward Pikes Peak and The Smokebrush Gallery announce a launch party for the Miracle Meters Program on Monday, November 16, 7pm-9pm. The launch party will occur in the City Hall City Council Chambers at Nevada Avenue & East Kiowa Street.

The launch party is a celebration and announcement of the revival of the Miracle Meters Program by Dr. Robert Holmes of Homeward Pikes Peak after the resignation of Councilman Jerry Heimlicher who helped initiate the program in 2008. Smokebrush Foundation has served as a partner of this program since its inception with regard to recruiting community artists to creatively transform retired parking meters that are used in the program. Springs Rescue Mission is providing refreshments for the celebration.

The Miracle Meters are artist decorated, retired parking meters that will be placed in local businesses for the purpose of collecting pocket change to benefit the Housing First program. Students from Doherty H.S. DECA club are responsible for getting local businesses committed to display the meters. To date, they have committed about half of the businesses that will host Miracle Meters beginning November 17, 2009. Team members from Housing First have 104 meters currently being decorated by local high school and college students, plus some by Housing First clients. The Smokebrush Gallery has committed nineteen meters from local professional artists. All of the meters will be on display at the November 16th launch event.

The Miracle Meters program is a positive way to use pocket change that would otherwise end up in the hands of panhandlers. Part of Jerry Heimlicher's inspiration for this program came from research that showed 95% of money given to panhandlers is used to purchase drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. He estimated that 1.5 million dollars is given annually to local panhandlers. Heimlicher wanted to create an effective, alternative means of funneling this money into organizations that have a positive impact. The Miracle Meters program engages our local artists, businesses and community to create this impact.

Housing First is a local non-profit program that assists chronically homeless, mentally ill, substance abusers by providing addiction treatment, mental health assistance, housing and other services. 100% of the coins collected in the Miracle Meters benefits this program.

Businesses interested in becoming a Miracle Meter Host should contact Dr. Robert Holmes at Homeward Pikes Peak, 719-955-0731.

Read more about Homeward Pikes Peak: www.homewardpikespeak.org
Read more about Smokebrush Gallery & Foundation: www.smokebrush.org

Contacts:
Holly Parker, Director
Smokebrush Foundation
719.444.1012
smokebrush@gmail.com

Dr. Robert Holmes, Executive Director
Homeward Pikes Peak
719.955.0731
bobholmes@ppunitedway.org