The music and faith communities recently joined forces to create a memorable day of Christmas celebration honoring 140 of Nashville’s homeless mothers with their children. It was a grey, wintery December Saturday as women and children arrived in vans provided by several organizations and programs hosting the event. Inside, the families were greeted by warm smiles of volunteers and a beautifully decorated Rocketown dressed with red and green tables sprinkled full of chocolates and cookies. Everyone enjoyed community over Christmas dinner, face painting, and getting their professional photographs taken. A musical concert, Christmas in the City, featured special guest, Melinda Doolittle.
Acting as the director, Pastor Doug Sanders of Otter Creek Church collaborated with music industry leaders and several nonprofit organizations to create a beautiful Christmas for these families, part of a long-term vision and commitment to address homelessness in Nashville. Sanders shared the spirit of the day: “These women want the best for their children. None of us can do it on our own; it comes back to community.” Walking side by side with Pastor Sanders in this initiative is Shalom Foundation executive director Allison Bender. With their expertise and success in providing services for homeless children and their mothers in Guatemala, the Shalom Foundation will help build a network of community resources for homeless families in Nashville. To learn more or provide support, visit www.theshalomfoundation.org.
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