ATLANTA—The Homeward Choir at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will be the featured musical guests Dec. 21 at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Now in its third season, the choir draws its two dozen members from the guests of the Central Night Shelter, a joint effort to help homeless men between Central Presbyterian Church and the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Atlanta.

Donal Noonan, executive director and founder of the choir, said the event is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the men who find comfort, inspiration and community in the choir.

He said the choir has drawn international attention from the media, but its real success is how the singing and being part of the choir is helping men overcome feelings of fear and hopelessness. Members have used the new confidence from singing in the choir at their work, to look for work, and return to school, he said.

The number of choir members has nearly doubled since Noonan first recruited members from the groups of homeless men in downtown Atlanta. He said the idea of the choir has been replicated around the country, and the groups are sharing notes to best serve their members. The choir has also solidified its organization, registering as a nonprofit.

To get there the choir needs to raise an estimated $25,000 for transportation, housing, food and everything else required to get the group to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Noonan said the choir’s fundraising got a boost when Southwest Airlines stepped up to fly the choir to Washington at no cost.