Founder of the Christian non-profit Watchmen of the Streets, an outreach of Habit Missions, Heath Burchett is passionate about the year-round hope and support his loyal volunteers provide to local homeless neighbors in the Charlotte area.
While sharing food and much-needed supplies on a regular basis, relationships are formed, prayers are prayed and hope is given. A true labor of love, local restaurants combine efforts to provide weekly meals, and the group offers resources for housing, medical needs, addiction recovery, clothing and spiritual guidance.
As we’re preparing to gather and embrace the true meaning of the holiday season, Heath is especially proud to announce the group’s Christmas Cheer Homeless Outreach will be held this year on Tuesday, December 17th. Those who wish to be part of this outreach should meet in the parking lot at 2424 N. Davidson Street in Charlotte starting at 5:45 p.m. The largest stop will be at the Salvation Army Center of Hope Shelter for Women and Children, which currently houses around 300 women and children; then there will be additional stops, including groups of the unsheltered as well.
“Our Watchmen of the Streets volunteers will bring their trailer loaded full of supplies for shelter residents, we feed them and we also bring Christmas stockings for both the adults and children,” shares Heath.
This year, there will be an extra element of holiday cheer as 14-year-old Charlotte resident and recent contestant on The Voice, Jaylen Dunham, will be joining in the musical presentation at the Center of Hope Shelter. Mario M. Clark Media, in collaboration with Watchmen of the Streets, is excited to present Jaylen, renowned for his incredible singing talent on “The Voice.” This rising star will perform at the shelter as a way to give back to his community. Inspired by his parents’ commitment to charity, Jaylen aims to create a memorable evening filled with food and entertainment for those in need. While Heath and the WOTS volunteers have dedicated themselves to providing a quality experience for the homeless, empowering them to transition back to normalcy in the name of Jesus, award-winning cinematographer and director Mario M. Clark brings a fresh perspective to the nonprofit, showcasing their unique mission through film and entertainment to shed light on the challenges faced by the homeless community. Having Jaylen perform and greet the community will be an added blessing this year!
A local singing prodigy, Jaylen has been singing since the age of three and won first place at Amateur Night at the Apollo in 2023 with a performance of Beyoncé’s “Listen.” That same year, Jaylen went viral on TikTok with a cover of Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire,” garnering more than 9.5 million views, as well as a comment from Olivia herself. He also performed “Listen” on season 26 of “The Voice” on NBC. Charlotte and Lake Norman residents may have also caught him singing the National Anthem at a Charlotte Hornets game or performing around the area in community musicals. Following his experience on “The Voice,” Jaylen released his first ever single titled “Too Young” – while, behind the scenes, he’s enjoying life as a typical 14 year old, spending quality time with friends and family!
Heath invites all to participate in the December event. “We will be sharing Christmas Cheer, love and hope to our unsheltered and sheltered homeless neighbors – men, women and children – in different areas. We are so excited about Jaylen using his talent to make a difference in our community!”
Volunteers will be providing quality meals from five Lake Norman area restaurants, survival gear, warm winter apparel, hygiene bags and Christmas stockings filled with goodies, while music artist, Jaylen, performs holiday songs for our neighbors trying to transition from homelessness for Christmas. You’ll likely see tears of joy and feel thankfulness in the air from shelter residents, feeling grateful that someone thought of them at Christmas.
“This is my favorite and one of the most important outings we do all year,” shares Heath.
For more information on outreach missions or volunteering with Watchmen of the Streets, visit watchmenofthestreets.com or contact Heath Burchett by email at [email protected].
