What happens in Tennessee when there are critical needs? Tennessee volunteers! We saw this a few weeks ago with the tornadoes throughout Central Tennessee, and we’re seeing it again this week as the state braces for the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.
School is out for at least several weeks and school districts are working to continue to provide food to students in need. Many have prepared breakfasts and lunches that may be picked up at the school, or through a “drive-through” system. Volunteers, teachers, and bus drivers are delivering to students who may not have transportation to allow for pick up.
The Bridge Ministry in Nashville responded to a call for 2300 food bags for students in Clarksville, and those bags were delivered today. Clarksville churches and residents are finding creative ways to distribute to those in need - County Commissioner Rashidah Leverett gets a High Five (air only - no touching) for helping kids there! The Bridge Ministry also prepared thousands of food bags for Metro Nashville schools to distribute this week.
The Tennessee Department of Education received waivers from USDA allowing schools to continue to prepare and serve children under 18. As the crisis continues there will be a continuing need for volunteers and financial aid. Contact your local school board if you need help, or if you want to volunteer.
With child care facilities closed for at least the next few weeks, parents who must be at work are getting creative in their search for options. The Wyndy App, available in Nashville, Chattanooga and Memphis, has vetted college students available to help – those recruited may be asked to sign a contract stating they will work for one family only during this time, and will follow all CDC protocols.
You may also find a neighboring high school or college student in need of extra income just around the corner from you. The Next Door app allows you to list your needs and find someone close by to help you out. That app lists people who are willing to babysit, shop for the elderly, even help with household chores – and it often contains updates from your local health department, police, firefighters, city and county officials
Local churches and community centers are exploring other ways to help families with children. Reach out to those you might drive past every day on your way to work. People in communities around Tennessee are stepping up to serve wherever they are needed.
There will be a continuing need in the weeks and months ahead to feed our children – and the elderly. Community Food Banks and other feeding ministries are requesting financial contributions and young volunteers to help sort, package, and deliver food. Cities and counties are putting plans in action to assure that no citizen is neglected. Contact us if you have a need and are unable to find help. Or share your tips and stories of how people in your community are stepping up and working to get us all through these next few weeks. It’s incredibly encouraging to see Tennesseans coming together like they are at this critical time. Your stories help us connect faith, community, and government to improve life for every Tennessean.
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Proverbs 3:27
School is out for at least several weeks and school districts are working to continue to provide food to students in need. Many have prepared breakfasts and lunches that may be picked up at the school, or through a “drive-through” system. Volunteers, teachers, and bus drivers are delivering to students who may not have transportation to allow for pick up.
The Bridge Ministry in Nashville responded to a call for 2300 food bags for students in Clarksville, and those bags were delivered today. Clarksville churches and residents are finding creative ways to distribute to those in need - County Commissioner Rashidah Leverett gets a High Five (air only - no touching) for helping kids there! The Bridge Ministry also prepared thousands of food bags for Metro Nashville schools to distribute this week.
The Tennessee Department of Education received waivers from USDA allowing schools to continue to prepare and serve children under 18. As the crisis continues there will be a continuing need for volunteers and financial aid. Contact your local school board if you need help, or if you want to volunteer.
With child care facilities closed for at least the next few weeks, parents who must be at work are getting creative in their search for options. The Wyndy App, available in Nashville, Chattanooga and Memphis, has vetted college students available to help – those recruited may be asked to sign a contract stating they will work for one family only during this time, and will follow all CDC protocols.
You may also find a neighboring high school or college student in need of extra income just around the corner from you. The Next Door app allows you to list your needs and find someone close by to help you out. That app lists people who are willing to babysit, shop for the elderly, even help with household chores – and it often contains updates from your local health department, police, firefighters, city and county officials
Local churches and community centers are exploring other ways to help families with children. Reach out to those you might drive past every day on your way to work. People in communities around Tennessee are stepping up to serve wherever they are needed.
There will be a continuing need in the weeks and months ahead to feed our children – and the elderly. Community Food Banks and other feeding ministries are requesting financial contributions and young volunteers to help sort, package, and deliver food. Cities and counties are putting plans in action to assure that no citizen is neglected. Contact us if you have a need and are unable to find help. Or share your tips and stories of how people in your community are stepping up and working to get us all through these next few weeks. It’s incredibly encouraging to see Tennesseans coming together like they are at this critical time. Your stories help us connect faith, community, and government to improve life for every Tennessean.
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Proverbs 3:27
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE BRIDGE FOUNDER/CEO
*Please note we are being diligent to follow the guidelines set by the CDC, health professionals, and public officials. At this time we are asking for only paid staff and pre-approved volunteers to help serve our guests.
This week has been filled with so many opportunities to serve the beautiful people of our city. Every week many organizations link arms with The Bridge to serve the unhoused & under-served under the bridge. This week we have been able link arms with them to supply so many of our partners with needed resources & have been able to meet the needs of so many people by serving together. Thank you to our many donors & supporters who have made it possible to say “yes” to each need as it has arose. None of this would be possible without your generosity & faithfulness. If you would like to donate towards relief & recovery efforts please CLICK HERE
If you are looking for ways to serve in neighborhoods with storm damage or if you need assistance at your damaged residence we are partnering with Operation Blessing to facilitate these efforts. Go to www.ob.org
If you are looking for ways to serve in neighborhoods with storm damage or if you need assistance at your damaged residence we are partnering with Operation Blessing to facilitate these efforts. Go to www.ob.org
THE BRIDGE, INC. exists to alleviate the suffering of underprivileged children, the homeless, and the working poor by providing life-sustaining resources and a message of hope.
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Those we serve have been devastatingly hit by the tornado that swept through Nashville last night. Our teams have been walking the streets passing out supplies & helping those in need all morning. We are unable to serve as we have for the past 16 years tonight under the bridge; however, we will be serving as close as we can get. For tonight we are asking volunteers not come to serve. It is still a volatile area & we want all our volunteers to be safe. We will be serving from the street on the corner of Madison & 2nd Ave. If you know anyone needing services please let them know our location. CLICK HERE FOR MY VIDEO AT THE BRIDGE FOR MORE INFO! |
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The Three Phases of The Bridge Ministry:
Church Under the Bridge
Every Tuesday at 6 p.m. under the Jefferson Street bridge, The Bridge Ministry serves between 350 to 500 poor and homeless individuals. We provide a hot meal, distribute 15,000 pounds of groceries, hygiene items, and clothing, to every guest in attendance. In addition to meeting natural needs, The Bridge Ministry also meets spiritual needs by ministering the Gospel in Word and song.
Bridge to Kids
In addition to the children’s programing under the bridge on Tuesday nights, The Bridge Ministry provides weekend food bags and daily snacks for homeless and food insecure children. During the 2018-19 school year, we partnered with 38 schools and aftercare programs to feed 3,300 children each week. Throughout the summer of 2019 we partnered with 17 of Davidson County’s summer education programs and fed over 1,500 children each week. During the 2019-20 school year, we look for that weekly number to increase to over 3,500 children.
Bridge to You
The Bridge Ministry partners with over 20 local ministries, who need support, that have outreaches in their communities, by assisting them with food, clothing, and hygiene items.
Church Under the Bridge
Every Tuesday at 6 p.m. under the Jefferson Street bridge, The Bridge Ministry serves between 350 to 500 poor and homeless individuals. We provide a hot meal, distribute 15,000 pounds of groceries, hygiene items, and clothing, to every guest in attendance. In addition to meeting natural needs, The Bridge Ministry also meets spiritual needs by ministering the Gospel in Word and song.
Bridge to Kids
In addition to the children’s programing under the bridge on Tuesday nights, The Bridge Ministry provides weekend food bags and daily snacks for homeless and food insecure children. During the 2018-19 school year, we partnered with 38 schools and aftercare programs to feed 3,300 children each week. Throughout the summer of 2019 we partnered with 17 of Davidson County’s summer education programs and fed over 1,500 children each week. During the 2019-20 school year, we look for that weekly number to increase to over 3,500 children.
Bridge to You
The Bridge Ministry partners with over 20 local ministries, who need support, that have outreaches in their communities, by assisting them with food, clothing, and hygiene items.