Giving Connection

The Contributor

This nonprofit has not yet verified the listed information.

Volunteer

Downtown Presbyterian Church, Rep. John Lewis Way North, Nashville, TN, USA

EIN Number: 37-1551739

contact information

Phone: 615-829-6829

Hours: Closed

Mon - Fri 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM (EST)

Sat 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (EST)

Sun Closed

Website: http://www.thecontributor.org

Email: info@thecontributor.org

NTEE Code: S30: Economic Development

MISSION - WHAT WE DO

The Contributor is a nonprofit, social enterprise in Nashville that creates economic opportunity with dignity by investing in people experiencing homelessness and poverty. We accomplish this mission by printing a street publication that: Provides over 300 homeless and formerly homeless vendors with a pathway to earn income; Builds community between vendors and customers; Provides a diversity of perspectives and information on the condition of homelessness, highlighting the unique contributions of homeless and formerly homeless individuals. We are often the first point of contact in Nashville's Continuum of Care for many people experiencing homelessness and we connect our vendors to other valuable services for health care and housing. Over 70% of our 6-month tenured vendors have obtained housing.

SERVICES - HOW WE DO IT

The Contributor Newspaper: Every two weeks, a new issue of The Contributor newspaper is published by our editorial team and focuses on issues surrounding homelessness and poverty, and other general interest content with the help of staff writers and freelance writers. Contributions by Contributor vendors cover a variety of topics, and often include experiences and interests that help break down stereotypes of homelessness. This further serves to break down barriers and misconceptions within the general population readership and promotes the freedoms found within the First Amendment. Contributor staff work closely with vendors to feature unique contributions in the paper by encouraging them to submit editorial work in the form of individual vendor spotlights, poetry, art, and writing. Vendors are also encouraged attend a writing workshop held before paper release each Monday. Vendor Services Program: The Contributor is sold by individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty. Each vendor is given the opportunity to create a sustainable micro-business and is empowered to set and achieve their own financial goals. Vendors are trained and given all the tools needed to start a vending business at no cost or risk. Vendor Bridge Services: The Contributor has recently been approved (August 2019)for a partnership with the Appalachian Regional Coalition on Homelessness (ARCH) and Americorps. Through this partnership, ARCH places a full time, trained Outreach Worker in an organization's office in order to manage and oversee the Coordinated Entry process for individuals sleeping on the streets.