Yellow Graphic reading: Vendor Writing

Building Community

The relationship between the unhoused here in Nashville and the general public has had it’s ups and downs over the years. The perception of the homeless was, to a great extent limited to being referred to as, “bums,” “tramps,” “winos” and “no goods.” Generations before they were, “hobos,” “transients” and “drifters.”

In my experience before the days of The Contributor, much of the only contact the public had with the unhoused was on street corners where “Will Work For Food” signs were displayed or the panhandler or the alcoholic drinking in public. Much of this public perception has changed to a great degree with the advent of The Contributor here in Nashville. I can remember the time when a car would pull up beside someone who was holding a cardboard sign and you could immediately hear the sound of car door locks being engaged and see windows being rolled up. This trend, I’m happy too say, has reversed itself to a great degree and we the vendors of The Contributor have made this change possible.

Yellow Graphic reading: Vendor Writing

Rescue Mission

One of the most important agencies that has been of great assistance to Nashville’s unhoused community is the Nashville Rescue Mission.

Yellow Graphic reading: Vendor Writing

Fully Restored

Got the home, got the job, got the self esteem back but one thing still remained outstanding: the privilege and right to vote!

Both Sides of the Fence

Being able to empathize with each individual I encountered and relate my personal experiences as “been there done that” angle has helped break down barriers between myself and the folks I encounter.