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. Now, when cars approach our vending spots all over Middle Tennessee, there is animated conversation, positive exchange of ideas and insights and the building of community.
What was once a very tense and often uncomfortable relationship between the unhoused and the general public now has the beginnings of the building of community. Working with each other to maintain a positive image to our customers and always putting our best foot forward as we engage folks is probably the best way we can build community and ensure our continued success.
This article is dedicated to the memory of the late Ridley Wills II who gave so much to The Contributor.