ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Pastor Matt Smeltzer of Grace Covenant Church is using his comedic talents to raise money for Rochester’s homeless community in an unorthodox way.

The Code Blue Comedy Show aims to support Bethlehem Family Ministries, a shelter owned by Smeltzer’s parish.

“I fell in love with doing standup comedy,” said Smeltzer, who began standup about just over a year ago. “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.”

Proceeds from the event will help with homeless prevention efforts, including first month’s rent, security deposits, and back rent, Smeltzer said.

Smeltzer is also raising awareness by sleeping in a van to experience what some families endure.

“I know I’m not homeless, but what this does is put me in a position of increasing empathy,” Smeltzer said. “Because 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 Friday at 7 p.m. at the Comedy @ the Carlson. Tickets are available here.

The post Rochester pastor uses comedy show to raise money for homeless as winter approaches appeared first on WHEC.com.