What to share with vendors in the heat:
- Spray bottles with water in them to wet down hats and shirts.
- Pickles for hydration.
- Drinking water or hydration + water.
- Food or snacks.
- Sun hats.
- Translucent or clear sunglasses because it’s hard to sell the paper if people can’t see your eyes.
- Umbrella for shade.
- Sparkly things to pin to shirts or hats to increase visibility.
- Bright vest, hat or belt etc.
- SUNSCREEN
- Money. Buy our papers or zines and get a glimpse into our work
BUSINESS OWNERS:
- Turn on your outside tap and offer it. Convenience stores especially can afford to do this. In Western states it is illegal to refuse someone water when they ask. Nashville might as well be a desert for all the available water there isn’t.
- Offer bathroom use.
- If a vendor has a vehicle, offer them free parking for a few hours. If not, offer them a place to rest in the shade.
- Look into the needs of your vendor and research solutions. Follow through.
- Get to know your vendor and buy the paper. Your vendor is way cheaper than one of those blow up toys that wiggle around, attracting customers to your store.
STORIES OF AN UNHOUSED WOMAN
- One day I decided to park my unairconditoned truck and ride the bus. The driver was courteous and gentle on the brakes. The air conditioning was delightful. The riders were friendly, but not invasive. A few jokes were passed around.
- I arrived downtown and headed for the post office. About half way there I needed the restroom. Thankfully I was near the library. Of course the bus station has one, but I had skipped out of there rather than do defensive bathrooming. I certainly learned better than to stray too far from the bus station or, once in town, the library.
- Then it dawned on me. There are only two public restrooms downtown … and even fewer in the ‘burbs.
- What civilized countries do, we don’t.
- No wonder we are called Ferengis by the rest of the world. The only people allowed to enjoy “free activities “ such as strolling our streets or visiting a park – must find somewhere to spend money in order to use a restroom — after they’ve paid and said pleasantries to the staff.
- So the next time you pass a grumpy or smelly person on the street, consider that they may not have been able to make it to a restroom in time.
- It is high time Nashville joined the international community that spends so much money in our city and install public restrooms. Even porta-potties would be better than the dearth of hospitality Nashville citizens and visitors currently endure.