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.
Nashville Humane Association Celebrates 80 Years
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“When we help people, we help pets stay in their homes”
Hoboscopes: March 11, 2026
Mr. Mysterio is not a licensed astrologer, a trained astronomer, or a certified mop technician.
Hoboscopes: February 25, 2026
Mr. Mysterio is not a licensed astrologer, a trained herbologist, or a certified tea-guy.
Wintery Weather Prompts Generosity In Unusual Places
With all the wintery weather it is no surprise that I haven’t been on my corner at all since it began. I DO miss seeing my customers, but fortunately, I’ve ran into a few of them in other places.
More Headlines
Q&A with Erika Burnett
‘Pike River’ dramatizes a real-world mining disaster and a fight for justice
Learn More About The Village
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.