“Praise God.”
It’s what Ladell Walker said when he first applied for housing through The Contributor. It’s what he said when his name came up on a waitlist for an apartment in Nashville. And when asked what it was like to move into his very own studio after eight years on the streets, he could sum it up in the very same two words.
“It’s been great, I just love it,” Walker said. “Up on the balcony, looking across the street … it’s alright to me. I’ve got my own business, and I can stay out of the way.”
After moving in a few weeks ago, Walker has been relishing his time far from the noise of downtown Nashville. Obtaining stable housing was one of many goals he’s set for himself, and he’s been enjoying some well-earned rest having finally checked it off the list.
“I go home and meditate now, get some music together. I always just meditate on God. I stay focused, put all my trust in God, meditate and listen to the gospel. I feel … alright.”
Although Walker admits he is not deeply religious, his belief in God has helped him stay on track as he’s navigated life unhoused, he said.
Having seen too much strife where he lived in Indiana and Memphis, he came to Nashville in search of a welcoming community and a second chance. And after a day spent selling the paper, coming home to a balcony view of the city skyline, he feels like he’s found them.
“The murder rate was so high we decided to move down south, and it’s been a lot better. I went through some stuff, but it’s better than my hometown … Nashville’s my home now. Hopefully I can reach all my goals here.”
Walker has sold The Contributor on and off since he’s lived in the city, and it’s allowed him to find a safe niche downtown while managing his own time and money.
“I enjoy doing what I do. I don’t make much, but I appreciate what I do make. I just enjoy doing it,” Walker said. “I just love Nashville, they’ve been so good to me. I feel like I’m at home.”
As he settles in, Walker is on the lookout for new opportunities. Having a roof overhead means he can dedicate a little less time to addressing survival needs and a little more time to planning for the future.
“I’m just enjoying it. I like to just come home and get on in the house. I’m trying to get me a computer or something so I can find a job working from home.”
But until he’s off to the next opportunity, Walker plans to enjoy his new view of the city he calls home. As Walker’s outlook becomes a little more sanguine, he can face it all with the same mantra as ever: “Praise God.”