High school language arts teacher Joey Batts had a lesson from one of his students a decade ago and Batts turned it into action for a good cause.
He was chit chatting with students about the then upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and one student mentioned he may not have any where to go and that he couch surfed at friends’ houses.
“Later it hit me they may not have a place to stay,” Batts said. “It occurred to he he may be homeless or houseless and how they could be impacted by housing insecurity.”
Batts, a rapper who performed regularly, got to thinking about the whole homeless issue.
“I couldn’t imagine not having a warm place to stay during the holidays,” Batts said.
He had a couple of upcoming shows and thought he would try collecting donations for the homeless.
Hip Hop for the Homeless founder Joey Batts is planning nine benefit concerts throughout Connecticut. (Michael Marques)
That was over a decade ago. Since then he’s turned Hip Hop for the Homeless into an organized non-profit and partnered with agencies that help the homeless in various municipalities.
Now going into its 12th season and involving many performers, the organization has raised $54,000 and collected countless donations of food, toiletries and clothes as well.
Today they have a cult following.
This year’s concerts begin Dec. 4 in New Haven and continue for three weeks. Look at the website for the schedule of dates around the state: https://www.hiphopforthehomeless.org/.
Batts, whose real name is Battaglia (shortened for the stage) started a new job this year at Howell Cheney Technical High School in Manchester is in his 18th year of teaching.
He once strived to be a famous rapper, but “fell in love with teaching too much,” Batts said.
It’s always around this time of year when its getting cold that they start the fundraising.
In some communities the money raised is enough to get the population through the winter, he said.
All the shows are in businesses such as restaurants and bars.
“It’s amazing to activate our community spaces,” Batts said. “Every year it feels amazing. We’re very thankful our tour has gained so much popularity.”
People who attend the benefits can expect a “positive, loving environment,” he said.
“We’ve definitely built a cult following,” he said.
Batts received a 2025 a Connecticut Arts Hero award for his work.