Concert planned to celebrate opening of ‘Haven’ for youth

WASILLA — Mocha Moose Café, on the corner of Lucille Street and Swanson Avenue in Wasilla, is the site of a new Mat-Su Valley outreach program aimed at connecting homeless youths with food, clothing, friendship and other resources.

Geri McCann said she worked with homeless teens — mostly in Anchorage — through winter, but decided to expand to a Valley location in the past month.

“When school closes, they are on their own,” she said. “We need to let the kids know it’s there.”

A special concert event is planned from 6:30 to 10 p.m., May 26 at Mocha Moose Café and includes performances by local artists Lavoy and rapper Andre Williams, AKA “Blaak.” Called Haven, McCann said the outreach program will host events at Mocha Moose from 6:30 to 10 p.m., every Saturday. She said Northgate Alaska Local Outreach is partnering with other Valley churches to establish Haven.

“My goal is to let it evolve into a youth shelter,” McCann said.

She said there are lots of ways people can get involved to help homeless youths living in the Mat-Su Valley.

People are invited to donate sandwiches, baked goods or other homemade food. Also needed are shower tokens, cash, food, clothes, blankets and camping supplies. People can also contribute as musicians, ministers, artists and other forms of entertainment.

“People are becoming more aware,” McCann said. “People’s hearts are ready to help.”

For more information, contact McCann at 715-7891.