ROCHESTER, N.Y. – A Rochester pastor is turning to stand-up comedy to combat the growing challenges faced by the city’s homeless population as winter approaches. Pastor Matt Smeltzer of Grace Covenant Church is headlining “The Code Blue Comedy Show” this Friday to raise funds for Bethlehem Family Ministries, a shelter operated by his parish.With temperatures dropping, the need for homeless prevention resources is critical. Proceeds from the show will directly support initiatives like covering first month’s rent, security deposits, and outstanding back rent, aiming to keep families housed during the coldest months. Smeltzer, who discovered a passion for comedy just over a year ago, hopes to leverage his newfound talent to address a pressing community need.
“I fell in love with doing standup comedy,” Smeltzer said.”I think,as a pastor,I’m in front of people a lot. But then I also had a background in cartooning and, so writing gags all the time, and it just seemed like a natural fit and loved it.”
To further understand the hardships faced by those experiencing housing insecurity, Smeltzer has been sleeping in a van. ”I no I’m not homeless, but what this does is put me in a position of increasing empathy,” he explained. “As when I’m getting cold at night, when I got that seat belt buckle in my back and it’s really uncomfortable, I can start relating to like, ‘oh my goodness, this is what some families are going through.'”
The Code Blue Comedy show is scheduled for 7 p.m. on friday at Comedy @ the Carlson. Tickets are currently available for purchase here.
