Vendor Writing
Who Buys the Paper?
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In my almost 19 year association with The Contributor and holding Vendor Badge #0002, I have a pretty good idea who buys our paper.
Vendor Writing
Building Community
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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.
Vendor Writing
Rescue Mission
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One of the most important agencies that has been of great assistance to Nashville’s unhoused community is the Nashville Rescue Mission.
Vendor Writing
Fully Restored
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Got the home, got the job, got the self esteem back but one thing still remained outstanding: the privilege and right to vote!
Vendor Writing
A Vendor’s View
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As I make my way across Nashville, I notice something that is somewhat troubling to me.
Vendor Writing
Both Sides of the Fence
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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.