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A Wickedly Good Time

By Mikkel Hyldebramdt

After an extended hiatus caused by the pandemic, a reorganization, and an extensive rebranding, Status: Home (formerly Jerusalem House) is back with its famed and highly anticipated Halloween party! This year’s theme, Wicked Wonderland, taps right into pop-cultural movements and sets an appropriately high bar for the return of an extraordinary Halloween celebration and fundraiser. David spoke to President and CEO Maryum Phillips about the party and the critical work of providing housing services to individuals and families impacted by HIV/AIDS.

One of Atlanta’s biggest and best Halloween parties is back! Please share a little about why it has been a few years since you hosted this fantastic party? 

We had hosted the event for over a decade, but right before the pandemic, we decided to pause it while we explored ways to make it even better.  While the party was on hiatus, we took the time to rebrand from Jerusalem House to Status: Home and refocus our efforts so we could come back even stronger.

Why did you decide to bring it back this year?

Our supporters have been asking for it, and we wanted to revive the energy and excitement of this iconic event. With the need for housing more critical than ever, we knew this was the year, more than ever, for us to draw attention to our work, celebrate our progress, and raise much-needed funds for our programs to support those in need.

Status: Home has undergone quite the transformation over the last few years – how will that be reflected in the Halloween party?

With our new brand, look, and feel, this event is a true reflection of our evolution as an organization. We’re bringing a vibrant energy to Wicked Wonderland, reflecting our values of inclusion, creativity, and support for the Atlanta community. We’ve revamped the event itself with some new elements, and most importantly sharing the stories of the families and individuals we serve.

Please tell us more about the theme. What was the inspiration for Wicked Wonderland?

The inspiration for Wicked Wonderland was to create a fun, bold theme that connects pop culture and allows our guests to express themselves! Drawing from fantastical elements with a wicked twist, and with the upcoming release of Wickedin November, connecting with the cultural moment.

What are some of the elements of the party that we can look forward to?

Attendees can expect a legendary costume contest, Dragfluencers Ellasaurus Rex and Brigitte Bidet, live entertainment by DJ Jazzy T., Champagne Skirt, a 360-degree photobooth, an exciting catwalk where they can show off their costumes, and inspiring stories from a few of our residents. There’s truly something for everyone! 

What will you be looking forward to at the party?

 While the entire event promises to be a blast, I am most looking forward to sharing the incredible stories of four individuals whose lives were changed by Status: Home.  Their stories of loss, redemption, heartbreak, triumph, and finally finding a place to call home at Status: Home are not to be missed.

The party will also be a fundraiser for your programs. Can you tell me a little about what the money will go towards?

All funds raised at the event will go directly towards helping us continue to provide a safe, stable home and supportive services to hundreds of people every day.  Through our many partnerships and grant programs, we already have over 90% of the funds needed to do this work, and this event will help provide the final funds necessary to ensure we can meet all of our resident’s needs.

What other events and initiatives do you have planned for this year?

Well, I can’t share all the details just yet, but I can tell you we have a very, very special ribbon cutting coming up in the spring. Because of the community and community partners’ support, there are often amazing opportunities to support us through their work as well. I encourage everyone to look up AV200 and Joining Hearts—supporting them is supporting us!

If people can’t attend the party, how can they support Status: Home otherwise?

You can still support Status: Home and Wicked Wonderland by donating online at statushome.org/wickedfundraiser.

Status: Home’s Wicked Wonderland Halloween party is on October 26, at the Foundry at Puritan Mill. Tickets can be purchased at statushome.org/wicked.

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