Nashville Community Resources: How to Support Your Neighbors (or Get Support if You Need It!)

As we head into the weekend, thousands of Nashvillians are still without power. But time and time again, Nashville proves that we know how to show up for each other, with neighbors and organizers offering everything from hot meals and charging stations to groceries, warm clothing, and even free tree removal services.

Here are some resources available for those in need, opportunities to give back for those who aren’t, and easy ways to support local businesses as the community recovers.

Vanderbilt University

Where: David Williams II Recreation Center
When: Friday, January 30, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
More Info: facebook.com/vanderbilt

Vanderbilt has dedicated space in one of its recreation centers to serve as a warming station. They’re inviting community members to warm up, charge devices, enjoy refreshments, and even SHOWER (but you’ll want to bring your own towel and shower shoes).

United Way 211 Helpline

Where + When: 24/7 helpline access
More Info: unitedwaygreaternashville.org/211-helpline/

Residents can dial 211 or text their zip code to 898-211 to reach United Way’s dedicated helpline. An ongoing partnership with HCA Healthcare Foundation, this free, confidential helpline connects people to local resources, including natural disaster support of all kinds.

To reach their Crisis Clean Up activation focused on clearing fallen trees, call 844-965-1386.

Nashville Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

More Info: facebook.com/NashvilleOEM

The Nashville OEM is coordinating official emergency response initiatives around the city, including official warming locations (and emergency transportation to these locations), food distribution, welfare checks for vulnerable residents, and more. They’re posting regular updates on Facebook, including the latest warming locations and ways to reach out if you need assistance.

**If you or someone you know needs emergency transportation to a warming station, they can help!

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Community Resource Center of Middle TN (CRC)

More Info: crcmidtn.org

The CRC, a local organization that works to provide essential supplies for human dignity, has officially partnered with OEM to distribute supplies to emergency workers and affected residents. You can donate cash here or purchase items directly from their Amazon wishlist HERE. Items will be delivered directly to the CRC and distributed where they’re needed most.

Second Harvest Food Bank

More Info: secondharvestmidtn.org

Second Harvest of Middle TN works year-round to combat food insecurity and springs into action during emergencies. They always offer a running list of food pantries on their FIND FOOD page.

Volunteers are essential to sorting and packaging food for distribution — find volunteer shift information HERE.

East Nashville Care Market

Where: 3115 Gallatin Pike
When: Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
More Info: encm.org + @eastnashvillecaremarket

East Nashville Care Market will be open this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. as a warming (and charging) station offering free food and warm clothing. They’re accepting donations for warm coats, scarves, gloves, and hats (in both children’s and adult sizes) as well as other emergency items like diapers and wipes. Cash donations are accepted here.

Madison Community Co-Op

Where: 752 Madison Square, Madison, TN 37115
When: Open daily

The Madison Community Co-Op offers warm breakfast at their community space at 11 a.m., lunch at 1 p.m., and warm dinners from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The community space is open throughout the day with family-friendly activities.

One Generation Away Mobile Pantry

Where: Centennial High School, 5050 Mallory Lane, Franklin, TN 37067
When: Saturday, January 31, 8:45 a.m. to 10 a.m.
More Info: onegenaway.com

Distribution of free fresh produce, dry goods, and more will begin at 8:45 a.m. If you’re interested in volunteering, please arrive at 7:30 a.m. — no registration for volunteers required.

Wellness Check Phonebanking

If you’ve been frustrated by not knowing how to check on elderly or otherwise at-risk community members, join one of these wellness check phonebank initiatives — no prior experience required.

The Equity Alliance Winter Wellness Check

When: Friday, January 30, at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. (two-hour shifts)
More Info: mobilize.us/equityalliance

TIRRC Community Wellness Check Phonebanking

When: Saturday, January 31, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
More Info: mobilize.us/tirrc

Hotel Resources

Visit Music City compiled a fantastic list of hotels around the city offering major discounts to residents. You can find it HERE. Even properties like Franklin’s Southall are offering a Community Comfort Rate for locals.

All of our favorite luxe hotels are open, too, with plenty of dining options and cozy community areas to order coffee and catch up on work.

Restaurant Resources

Throughout the week, many restaurants and food trucks have been serving up free meals. Keep an eye on social media, as some local restaurants, like Edley’s BBQ, are vowing to offer free meals until power is restored citywide.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Edley’s Bar-B-Que (@edleysbbq)

Barrel Proof in Germantown will be opening early this weekend to provide warmth, charging access, and hot coffee. Free packaged meals will be available starting at 12 p.m. for anyone in need. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help where needed. (Dog-friendly!)

Love’s Albi in The Gulch will also be opening early to provide warmth, charging access, and hot coffee. Free packaged meals will be available starting at 12 p.m. for anyone in need. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help where needed. (Also dog-friendly!)

How to Support Local Businesses

Nashville businesses are donating their time and energy to making sure community members are okay, but many of them are struggling due to forced closures and property damage, too. Aside from dining in and shopping if you can, here are a few ways to help local businesses recover in the coming days.

• Purchase restaurant and retail gift cards to use throughout the year — for yourself or to give as gifts.
• Place catering orders. If you can, consider splitting large orders with co-workers or neighbors. If you have multiple people in your household, this is a great “meal prep” option!
• If your area is safe for drivers, order delivery. Many rideshare and food delivery drivers suffered a loss of income this week, too.

There are MANY restaurants, bars, and coffee shops around town open for business, with more reopening each day. We encourage you to check on the places you love and visit if they’re open (and you’re able). In the meantime, here’s a list of spots we know are back open to get your wheels spinning!

• Amerigo
• Bad Idea
• Bagelshop
• Barrel Proof
• Big Machine Distillery & Tavern (in Berry Hill)
• Biscuit Love (all locations except The Gulch)
• Boston Commons
• Brotherly Love Cheesesteaks
• cafe babu
• Char
• Coral Club
• Curry Boys BBQ
• Crema Coffee Roasters (only Duke St. and Downtown locations)
• Cross-Eyed Critters
• Crush Bottle Shop (free spirits tastings on Sundays and wine tastings on Wednesdays!)
• East Side Banh Mi
• East Side Pho
• Edley’s BBQ
• etc.
• etch (Nashville and Franklin)
• Fancypants
• Fly Pelican Fly
• Frankies 925 Spuntino
• Gannon’s
• Golden Prawn #3
• The Gumbo Bros
• Greenery Co.
• Hugh-Baby’s
• Jasper’s
• Lolu
• Love’s Albi
• Loveless Cafe
• Maíz de la Vida
• Maíz de la Vida Taco Truck
• Maíz de la Vida Tortilla Shop
• Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
• Moto Moda
• Nelson’s
• Nicky’s Coal Fired
• Pancake Pantry
• Park Cafe
• Peg Leg Porker
• Poindexter
• Pont Neuf
• Skinny Dennis
• SS Gai
• Streetcar Taps & Garden (both Germantown and West Nashville)
• SweetMilk
• Sweeza Super Quesadilla
• The Ariston
• The Chloe Nashville
• The Pizzeria at Frankies
• Verna
• Village Pub

If there are community resources or events that you’d like to share, feel free to share on social media or reach out to [email protected].

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