Metrocrest Services welcomed community leaders, partners, and supporters to its 21st Annual Keyholder Breakfast on Thursday, March 26, for a conversation about homelessness centered on connection, dignity, and local solutions.

Rather than focusing solely on the challenges of homelessness, the breakfast invited attendees to recognize shared humanity and the community’s role in supporting neighbors in need. The program featured a pop-up art installation by artist and keynote speaker, Willie Baronet. Baronet is an artist, activist, and SMU professor whose WE ARE ALL HOMELESS installation, created with signs that Baronet purchased from individuals experiencing homelessness, has received national accolades for its powerful reflection on how easily life circumstances can change.

During his keynote remarks, Baronet expanded on the project by sharing the stories of individuals behind some of the signs. The stories mirror the experiences of many people served by Metrocrest Services every year. In 2025, the organization supported 631 individuals experiencing homelessness through its Homeless Resources programs. Services included access to food and hygiene supplies, assistance in obtaining government-issued identification, information and referrals, diversion, and housing support.

“Our Homeless Resources team has grown significantly over the past few years because the need in our community continues to grow,” said CEO Gabe Madison. “We are seeing more people lose stable housing and face limited options. Many are living in cars, in motels, or outdoors, often for the first time in their lives.”

Building trust is foundational to effectively serving individuals experiencing homelessness. Metrocrest Services prioritizes meeting immediate needs while also listening to personal stories and building relationships that help connect individuals to longer-term support. Following the keynote, attendees watched a video highlighting how Homeless Resources services are delivered across the Metrocrest area and the impact those services have had on individuals and families.

Each table at the breakfast included “Bundles of Hope” filled with nonperishable food items, hygiene supplies, and resource cards. Guests were encouraged to keep the bags in their vehicles and share them when encountering someone experiencing homelessness. In doing so, participants were asked to take a moment and listen to the person’s story, reinforcing the idea that small, human connections matter.

The 21st Annual Keyholder Breakfast raised $172,000. Funds raised will support essential services, like the Homeless Resources program, providing hope and assistance to neighbors in need. The Keyholder Breakfast is the agency’s largest annual fundraiser and is made possible through community support and sponsorships. Sponsors included presenting sponsor The Branch Church; VIP reception sponsor Allstate Insurance Agent Aaron Augustine; Bundles of Hope sponsor Enterprise Bank & Trust; and art installation sponsor Verity Instruments. Click here to view more photos from the event.