Since Beverly Gallaher started selling The Contributor in 2014, it’s helped her remain active and present in the community. The stillness of shelter and mundanities of survival are necessary, but Gallaher’s wanderlust leaves her restless in the city.
“I just like it. I like to do it,” said Gallaher. “Some people want to stay inside all day, I say, ‘how?’ It just gets boring.”
The Nashville Rescue Mission has been a transitory living space for Gallaher as she seeks housing, but a roof overhead doesn’t guarantee ease of living – especially when you share space with so many others.
“Trying to survive over at the Mission is kind of hard… you can get thrown out in two seconds for saying the wrong thing. I’m not doing that.”
Uneasy in crowds and cramped communities, Gallaher prefers to keep busy far from the ruckus of downtown Nashville. She said staying in motion is a good way to stay out of trouble.
Selling The Contributor has been a particularly good fit for Gallaher, as it helps her keep in touch with the massive, ever-changing Nashville community.
For Gallaher, a day vending in the city means connection after connection, however brief – and though she’s fallen in and out of working with The Contributor, it’s always the people that bring her back.
“Young people, old people, a lot of people. It’s not just for one particular type of person, it’s for everybody… the city’s a lot bigger, and it’s different. You get a lot of people from somewhere else now.”
Despite the positives of vending, it’s still an undertaking, especially in the searing weather.
Gallaher explained that vending is hard work – moreso than the average stranger tends to have much appreciation for. And despite the blistering summer heat and an injured leg, Gallaher has found the biggest hurdle in striking a balance between keeping busy and staying rested.
“I might need a mini-break. I think God’s telling me, ‘hey, slow it down!’ The job forces you to go ‘hey, make sure you’re gettin’ off that leg, sit your butt down.’ I’ve got things to do, paperwork, Social Security, going through all that.”
As for recreation, Gallaher has a few ways to distract herself. But as always, it’s not long before she’s ready to take on something new.
“Well, I’ve got my phone… I like cat and dog videos,” Gallaher said, laughing. “Music, whatever. Watch a little TV. If there’s not much to do, it gets boring, it’s like, ‘I’ve got to get out and do something!’”