When I worked downtown, I used to wish I had a card with a list of resources for people down on their luck. I didn’t want to give money to panhandlers, but I did wish for ideas to help people who needed a way out of their situation.
Two years later, I found out that such a resource does exist.
It’s called Where to Find Help in Nashville, and it’s a pamphlet compiled by the Metropolitan Homeless Commission and the MDHA. The pamphlet lists organizations that can help people with shelter, food, medical care, clothing, and many other services. It’s a great resource for churches and non-profits to have on hand, but I also recommend it for individuals.
If you frequently find yourself wishing you could help someone who clearly needs a place to stay or a way to eat, print out a few of these pamphlets and keep them with you as you go about your day.
WHERE TO FIND HELP IN NASHVILLE [PDF]
I also did some work with East Nashville Cooperative Ministry to help them compile an East Nashville and downtown-specific pamphlet. Several churches on the Eastside asked for a list of helpful organizations within walking distance of the Main Street/Woodland Street area, so we obliged. The pamphlet does contain a few places that aren’t in walking distance, since there are some organizations that don’t have an equivalent on this side of the river.
WHERE TO FIND HELP IN EAST NASHVILLE [PDF]
P.S. — Yeah, I think I’ll ask for your money again today. If you have some extra cash and you’re wondering what to do with it, consider giving to ENCM. They do awesome work in the East Nashville community, including a food box program, thrift store, and lunches for the homeless. You can donate through GivingMatters.com.
