We Take Care of Each Other

At Open Table Nashville, we have a phrase that has become a guidepost in our work: “We Take Care of Each Other.”

When our city shuts down every major homeless encampment that has served as a landing place for people with nowhere else to go: We Take Care of Each Other.

When it is 15 degrees, and our neighbors sleeping outside need life saving supplies and transportation to shelter: We Take Care of Each Other.

When the current federal administration announces an Executive Order calling people without a home criminals who should be removed from our streets: We Take Care of Each Other.

It has been an unprecedented year. From federal funding freezes, Executive Orders, and drastic shifts in policies towards increased criminalization of vulnerable populations, nonprofit organizations have had to navigate major federal changes at rapid speed. Despite what has been an overwhelming and chaotic landscape, there is something that has remained constant and that is community. People showing up locally to do what they can, where they can.

-When friends at Old Tent City were experiencing displacement and no immediate permanent housing, we raised a specific fund to support their needs.

-When our city removed benches from Korean Vets Blvd where unhoused individuals frequently sit, a local pastor built benches back in their place and invited others to join her. Our staff has participated in this effort; helping build, paint, and install benches across our city.

-When the federal government shut down and refused to payout SNAP benefits, we issued a call to action and raised over $6,000 in a week to feed hungry people.

This work would not be possible without the support and dedication of our community, and we are incredibly grateful for all the ways that you have shown up for our neighbors. We have been working alongside individuals experiencing homelessness for the last 15 years and in many ways the stakes have never felt higher. We are fueled by the anger of the injustices around us. But we do not sit in our anger. We rally our community and we show up because our friends deserve housing and dignified support.

I ask that you consider making a gift to the ongoing mission of this organization. It has never been more important to stand in solidarity with our friends and work to end homelessness together. Join us in community because if there is one thing we have, it is each other. And We Take Care of Each Other.

With Gratitude,

Allie Wallace

Executive Director

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