Willis Dady Homeless Services hosting annual Hops for Housing event in May

Downtown Cedar Rapids event will raise funds, awareness for homelessness

Mar. 8, 2023 6:00 am

The Willis Dady Homeless Services shelter in southeast Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. The shelter and prevention services organization is preparing for a major remodeling and expansion. The project will add 15,000 square feet and also remodel the existing building. The project will increase the number of private family living areas from four to eight. The number of beds for single men will increase from 16 to 25. New offices and conference rooms will be built as well as make the building ADA compliant. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

Alicia Faust, executive director of Willis Dady Homeless Services in Cedar Rapids, stands for a portrait Dec. 18. (Liz Martin/The Gazette)

CEDAR RAPIDS — Have a good beer for a good cause. Willis Dady is hosting its eighth annual Hops for Housing fund and awareness-raising event at the Veterans Memorial Building on the Second Avenue Bridge from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. May 6.

Hops for Housing is the organization’s largest fundraiser that brings together regional breweries, craft brew enthusiasts and community members to enjoy beer. All money raised will support Willis Dady’s mission to empower those experiencing homelessness to build self-sufficient futures through advocacy, housing and employment.

The event comes at a time when the area has seen increases in the number of people who are homeless.

Tickets purchased in advance from the Johnson Avenue Hy-Vee at 1843 Johnson Ave. NW give exclusive access to a VIP hour from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. before the general event.

The VIP hour offers more intimate time with brewers, sponsors, Willis Dady staff and board members. General admission tickets can be purchased for $35 at the door from 2:30 to 4 p.m. May 6. Those attending Hops for Housing must be 21 or older. IDs will be checked at entry.

There will be live music, food vendors and beer samples from a variety of regional brewers, who’ll offer over 100 different craft brews. Past brewers have included Big Grove Brewery, Lion Bridge, Des Moines-based Confluence Brewing Co., among about 30 total brewers.

As Willis Dady announces its partners, people may follow along on the event Facebook page at facebook.com/WillisDadyHopsforHousing/.

To RSVP to the event, people should visit fb.me/e/31xutiFHP.

Attendees may park on the Second Avenue Bridge or adjoining downtown parking areas. Willis Dady asks that people drive responsibly and encourages carpooling or using ride-share services.