Features
Homelessness is lethal. Cold weather just makes it more visible.
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During the ice storm in late January, a street newspaper vendor died while living outside. This is not an unpredictable tragedy unfortunately.
2417 Jefferson Street Open Again
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The Band Concurrence Shows How Music Can Transcend Destruction
On the Harbor Stage at the 2026 Newport Jazz Festival on July 31, bassist Greg Bryant and pianist Paul Horton of Concurrence were playing their way through the history of North Nashville: the clubs and communities that once surrounded Jefferson Street, the construction of Interstate 40 through them and the musical possibilities that disappeared with the physical places that had sustained them. The pair were showing that what is gone can still have life in music. Halfway through the duo’s Newport Jazz Festival debut set, Bryant asked the audience to consider where they were standing. Fort Adams had served as a summer White House during Dwight D. Eisenhower’s presidency, which meant that 70 years after Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, a Black bassist from Nashville was standing on grounds associated with his presidency, performing music about what happened when the interstate system reached North Nashville.
Hoboscopes: August 12, 2026
Mr. Mysterio is not a licensed astrologer, a trained trash can repairman, or a registered hot sauce brand.
Remembering the Legacy of Steve Lindstrom
I remember thinking: who is this middle-aged man who looks like he just came out of a business meeting but has endless energy for outreach?
Q&A with Kaycee Ensign
Ensign currently serves as the Housing Policy Manager working in Metro’s Housing Division, which is part of the Planning Department.
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Contributor Community Calendar
Learn More About the Tension between Metro and the Homelessness Planning Council
Street Art
Vendor Writing
One Number Away
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Thought no one wanted to be my friend.In fact, the only sign of kindness toward mewas the people who supported our charity.Yes, even the bus drivers became enemiesas they witnessed me load the bus carryinghuge bags of clothing as full of heavy blankets.They also assumed that I did not hold any fearand they rushed me to pay.Screams and cries of strangers filled the airas all I could do was slay the insults in spirit.Up the street was a Publix.I did purchase a $2 lottery ticket,which had all ten numbers except one,the number 8.You should have seen the look upon my face.I was a homeless person and helpless as somemay say and in need of housing,yet I was only one number away from $300,000.
Hoboscopes
Hoboscopes: February 11, 2026
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Mr. Mysterio is not a licensed astrologer, a trained weather-vane, or a certified snowplow.
News
All Sorts Lobby fills gaps by providing space for community
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Helpers: This is the first in a series about people pitching in for their neighbors, friends and community in ways big and small.
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
Hobo Camping Tips
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Have you ever showed up to your campsite and realized you forgot the cooler? The guilt of buying plastic and foam coolers can spoil all the fun. Well, here’s a really easy fix. Go to the back of any convenience store and grab a cardboard box or three. Get two that nest inside each other loosely.