MINNEAPOLIS — Music fans who attended one of last weekend's Metallica shows will likely tell you this is a band that makes a lasting impact with their hard-hitting volume, speed metal solos and sophisticated song arrangements.
A Twin Cities nonprofit appreciates the boys from the bay as well, but for a different reason.
People Serving People (PSP) is the state's largest organization that provides services for people and families experiencing homelessness. On Monday, the non-profit posted on Instagram that Metallica made a $40,000 donation to People Serving People through the band's All Within My Hands Foundation.
"I think that’s a pretty metal way to give," said PSP CEO Hoang Murphy.
The post shared, "gifts like this make programs like financial literacy, emergency assistance, and high-quality childcare possible at People Serving People."
Murphy said this donation will get them closer to reaching their goal of raising $1.2 million before the end of this year. He said the money gifted by Metallica could with shelter support, food services, and getting school supplies for families.
"We serve over 370 folks everyday through our 99 shelter rooms through our downtown site, and then recently, as of May, we are also serving 16 families over at St. Anne's place," Murphy said. “Of the 370 guests that we have, the majority of them are children, so about 270 of them, so two-thirds of folks, are under 18."
He also said the money could replace windows at St. Anne's, along with the playground and court.
PSP's Amanda Finman-Palmer says while not exactly rare, it is uncommon to get a gift of this size, especially from a group that is "outside" the community in terms of geography.
"For us, it's really, really exciting to be recognized like that," Finman-Palmer told KARE 11. "Clearly they did some research and thought, 'This organization is doing some really exciting stuff."
Murphy said he believes the band's donation could inspire other people locally to help out the nonprofit.
“We’re really grateful for Metallica for doing that and the attention that it is providing," he said.
The mission of Metallica's All Within My Hands foundation is to "assist and enrich the lives of members of the communities who have supported the band for years, as well as encourage participation from fans and friends. All funds raised will be donated to a cross-section of national and local charities... every penny from your donations will go directly to our charity partners."
Murphy said there is a big need for more housing in Minneapolis.
“I think one of the unique challenges is that family homelessness has increased dramatically in Hennepin County. Two years ago it increased by 76%. This last year it increased by 30%," he said. “A challenge here is that a lot of people have certain beliefs about what it means for folks to become homeless, so, but the reality is that we are all one small, unfortunate incident from being close to homelessness."
Finman-Palmer says a large portion of PSP's funding is dedicated to something specific - childcare, family housing - while an external gift from James, Lars, Kirk and Rob allows them to prioritize where the funding is needed. Portions of the $40,000 may go to PSP's Savings Match Program, financial literacy classes or the Emergency Assistance Fund.
One thing the Instagram post makes clear - the financial infusion was both unexpected... and welcome.
"Thank you, Metallica, for fueling our work, firing up our community, and helping the families at our shelter achieve their desires!"