Wanted: Temporary homes for 'perpetually perky' people

Dog days of summer got you down? Depressed by the ugliness of politics?

Perhaps the weeklong presence of a perpetually positive person is the remedy.

Up with People, a 43-year-old Denver-based nonprofit with the motto “bringing the world together,” is bringing its international cast of about 100 students to Colorado Springs later this month for two performances and a round of community service work at Fort Carson. Cast members typically stay with families in the places they visit, but the organization has been having trouble lining up hosts in Colorado Springs.

“We have alumni here, but it’s more difficult for us to spark the same level of enthusiasm in a large city than in a small town,” host family coordinator Diana K. Hocker said Wednesday. “We’re really struggling with host families this year. Maybe it’s because it’s the start of the school year for lots of families.”

So Hocker has put out the call for local hosts. Up with People members range in age from 17 to 28 and represent 19 countries. About 50 people need a place to stay.

Hosting duties will be from the night of Aug. 22 through the morning of Aug. 29, and include providing a few meals and transporting the cast members to designated stops around town where they can hop a special bus to Fort Carson.

“In exchange, you get a chance to bring a little bit of the world into your home,” Hocker said. “They share their culture with you and your family. And you get tickets to our show.”

The roots of Up with People go back to 1965, when it was founded as a “positive voice for young people,” according to its website. Three years later, it became a nonprofit. It’s best known for its peppy, young casts that put on upbeat music-and-dance performances.

“‘Perpetually positive’ is exactly how I’d describe them,” Hocker said. “They’re extremely well-behaved, and really respectful of their host families.”

People interested in being a host can contact Hocker at 612-799-1177.

DETAILS
The El Pomar Foundation has bought the seats to the Up with People performances, 7 p.m. Aug. 26 and 27 at the Fort Carson Special Events Center, and will offer free admission. Priority will be given to Department of Defense and military families, as well as host families. Members of the general public will be admitted as space permits. About 800 seats will be available each night.