INTRODUCTION: I have initially tried to raise the funds needed to start up Homeless Jesus as an eithical none for profit by borrowing or selling off anything of value I own. Support of the banks is a none starter but, that will not deter my determination, which is why I am opening it up to the mercy of the public through this platform. I am also selling off all the intellectual music rights I own and this is still available if anyone is interested in purchasing. These include both music master rights and music publishing rights. As a unique gesture I am prepared to travel anywhere and perform my music live personally for anyone who will support my new charitable venture. Homelessness is higher in N Ireland that the rest of the UK with 1 in 8 having experienced it at some point. Music is the universal language of mankind and is a very powerful tool in raising awareness! This is a one man concept with no expensive infrastructure or overheads to support and my main objective is to give back to those who really need it. I was one of these statistics for eighteen months but my music gave me hope, sadly, there are are many who have no hope!

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HOMELESS JESUS evolved out of a life changing experience for Irish musician, songwriter and environmentalist Merv Spence www.mervspence.com , after a long personal struggle challenging the unethical actions of the UK financial institutions in the last global recession. It also made him realise that a strong person stands up for themselves, but an even stronger person stands up for others.

With a ruck sack, sleeping bag and his trusted acoustic guitar, he set off on an eye opening journey into the unknown abyss of homelessness for the first time in his life. Traveling between the Midlands & London, he found refuge in everything from a broken down motor home to a shipping container while busking and gigging to eat. Ironically, as a lapsed Catholic, the one place he surprisingly found some welcoming sanctuary, warmth and solitude, was in an old 12th century Catholic chapel in the city.

Undeterred by his downturn, faith and belief in himself and his music gave him hope with the strength to persevere in the face of adversity. This small quiet Chapel dating back to 1135, enabled him to sit for hours some days, in a secure warm surrounding, unquestioned, writing and arranging new songs. It also gave him the time to reflect and confront his own personal inner issues but, never once did the keepers of Gods house judge him, or ask him to leave. This is where he planed his new charitable brand Homeless Jesus. www.homelessjesus.co.uk

After eighteen months of what only can be described as feeling lost in an unforgiving world, he returned to his native Ireland in 2015 and slowly started to rebuild his life. The experience of treading and busking the pavements, continue to haunt him, causing a deep anxiety about who he was and what lay ahead for him. It also made him appreciate life more without the material trappings but, even with a strong optimism about the future, he remains vigilant, as we are all just one step away from homelessness.

With a new found positive drive and creative energy, I start a distance learning Master's Degree in September 2017 @ Bath Spa University. The degree is music based and as well as obtaining an worthwhile academic qualification to support my new venture, I will spent time producing a new acoustic solo album for release in 2018. Lyrically, the songs are a deep and honest reflection of my struggle and I hope by performing the material live, it will help continue to help raise awareness on the severity of the homeless plight, which is disgracefully on the increase all over Ireland and the UK today. HOMELESS JESUS will develop as an ethical brand and will be enhanced financially through campaigns involving music, media, live events, busking, sponsorship's and merchandising. We also plan to produce a documentary series of my planned journey throughout Ireland and the UK, campaigning, raising funds and performing live. A sample of some of the new songs written for the acoustic album can be accessed @ www.homelessjesus.co.uk