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Ministerial Association Temporary Shelter (MATS) is hosting its 8th annual Victory Concert at Manley Baptist Church on Saturday August 19 at 7:00 p.m.

MATS is a self-sufficiency program for men, women, and whole families experiencing homelessness regardless of race, culture, gender, religion, or age. MATS currently serves Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Sevier, and Union counties.

They serve residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can house up to 32 at one time. Residents are typically at the facility for 30-120 days.

“What I like most about MATS is that we offer a hand-up for people to regain a foothold, stabilize, and restart their life. Followed by self-sufficiency steps with setting a budget, obtaining sustainable employment and savings, learning life skills by doing community chores at the shelter, and eventually obtaining their own home. We all celebrate when someone successfully completes the program with keys in hand to their new home,” MATS Executive Assistant Kathy Wiesner said.

“The Victory Concert was established to help with MATS general operating expenses and to introduce the community to successful Christian artists,” MATS Executive Directory Tonya Polidoro said.

Polidoro continued, “In the past local concert goers would have to travel to Knoxville or Greeneville to hear popular artists. The concert is our second most successful fundraiser, with local businesses sponsoring.”

“I would especially like to thank Southeast Industrial Construction and Kenny Noah for sponsoring the concert every year,” Polidoro said.

Additional sponsors for this year’s concert are Citizens National Bank, Morristown Iron & Metal, Tuff Torq, Morristown Family Dentistry, Morristown Utilities, TVA Credit Union, Nolachucky Baptist Association, Andrew Johnson Bank, and Margie Wright Property Management Group.

“We would like to thank the community for supporting MATS each year by purchasing tickets to attend our annual Victory Concert” Polidoro said.

This year’s concert features accomplished singer, songwriter, and multi-talented musician, Matt Maher. Maher is a nine-time GRAMMY nominee and five time Gospel Music Association Dove Award winner.

He has had multiple radio successes, writing and recording songs such as his Top 5 CCLI song “Lord, I Need You” and radio hits “Your Grace Is Enough”, “Hold Us Together”, “All the People Said Amen”, “Because He Lives (Amen)”, and “Alive and Breathing”.

Concert tickets are $35 each and are available on the MATS website. Groups of 15 or more may purchase tickets at $30 each by contacting MATS directly at 423-587-9215.