Making a Difference
A Life of Faith, Music, and Philanthropy Chris Beary
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR In a world where individuals increasingly seek ways to make a positive impact, Southern Gentleman Chris Beary’s journey into social
in made the comment “if I can buy a house, I can do anything.” The motivation to help did not stop with
philanthropy is an inspiring testament to the power
affordable housing. When the call came in 2014
of faith, music, and an unwavering commitment
to help people experiencing homelessness, Chris
to helping others. I enjoyed learning about Chris’
did not balk. He formed an organization called
motivations and the pivotal moments that have
Grace at the Green Light or “Grace.” This vital service
made him who he is today.
offers aid for the unhoused’s basic needs in the
A strong religious upbringing laid the
New Orleans area, including water, a hot breakfast
foundation for Chris and his desire to serve.
every day 365/7, clothing, and an initiative
Beginning as an acolyte and continuing his early
called “I’m Going Home,” which aims to reunite
career as a CPA, he dedicated time to performing
people without housing with their loved ones.
free accounting work and financial consulting for
One outstanding story is the recent milestone of
various charitable organizations, including Christ
sending Grace’s 3,000th person home. In this
Church Cathedral. Additionally, his involvement
instance, Grace helped a mother fleeing domestic
in the Cathedral community deepened
abuse find safety in Dallas with her three boys.
administratively and spiritually, solidifying the
The mother is now in a safe, loving home; she
sense of service and compassion instilled in his
has a job, and her boys are in school. Chris says,
formative years.
“This remarkable achievement exemplifies Grace’s
Chris’ sense of service and compassion would
impact. Over nine years, we know from follow-up
come into play in 2005 after the devastation of
that we’ve helped a staggering 70% of the 3,000
Hurricane Katrina. With the Dean of the Cathedral,
individuals we’ve sent home successfully rebuild
Chris co-founded a charitable organization called
their lives with loved ones.”
Jericho Road Episcopal Housing Initiative, an
Chris balanced coordinating and founding
affordable housing initiative to return low-income
these services for many years while working as a
displaced residents to Central City New Orleans.
businessman and lawyer. In 2018, he transitioned full-
Chris served as Treasurer and Board Member for
time to business and service to the community. This
10 years, and Jericho Road focused on readying
was an important transition because, in 2020, when
quality housing for persons to be able to move
the COVID-19 Pandemic shut down the nation, Chris’
back to New Orleans who were in the 60—80%
help was needed. On the ground working with Grace,
average median income range. Jericho Road’s goal
Chris served three meals a day to the homeless for
is to transform lives and neighborhoods, such as
sixty days when no one else in New Orleans was open
one of the homebuyers who Chris said upon move
to feed those who needed help the most.
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I nside N e w O rl e a n s
A love for music is another driving force for Chris, particularly songs with a social calling. The thought-provoking lyrics of tracks like The Meters’ “People Say,” with its rhetorical question, “People say, have I got a right to live?” inspired him to seek ways to help the New Orleans community and champion justice. The Pandemic hit the New Orleans tourist and hospitality industry hard, giving Chris the idea to couple his love of music and his passion for serving. As such, The Funky Uncle came to be. This charity was formed to help musicians and gig workers survive when there were no gigs to play and no money to be earned. Starting on April 3, 2020, and throughout the shutdown, The Funky Uncle produced 106 virtual weekly music shows, raising over $900,000 for nearly 1,000 musicians and gig workers. Watching musicians tell their stories on The Funky Uncle episodes inspired Chris to create another charity - a museum that would