Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Haley Trusler, Housing Director with Dream Streets, along with Ernie Rodriguez, Elementary Afterschool Program Coordinator, who both highlight the Nashville, Tennessee-based nonprofit organization focused on the mission to protect and empower individuals living in distress. Dream Streets, which was originally founded in 2013 by Crosspoint Church and evolved into its own 501(c)(3) organization, operates two locations and serves under-resourced families in West and North Nashville. The organization provides a mobile food program that rescues and distributes food to the community, while also providing housing assistance and financial support to help families achieve stability. Through after-school programs, summer camps, and volunteer initiatives, Dream Streets works to improve the well-being of children and families in Nashville.
Dream Streets: Empowering Nashville’s Hungry
Dream Streets, a nonprofit founded in 2013 by Crosspoint Church, has evolved into its own 501(c)(3) organization with two locations in Nashville, focusing on protecting and empowering those in distress. The organization’s primary ministry involves a mobile food program that rescues over 550,000 pounds of food annually and distributes it to over 43,000 people, with no income or ID requirements, emphasizing dignity and self-selection in food distribution. The initiative addresses the pressing issue of hunger in Nashville, where one in six children are reported to be hungry, reflecting the organization’s commitment to eliminating barriers and providing essential support to the community.
Dream Streets’ Community Impact Program
Ernie discusses Dream Streets’ work with elementary school children, including their successful 8-week summer camp program and after-school activities. He highlights the program’s focus on providing positive interactions, meals, and support for both children and their families, addressing food insecurity and building trust. He notes that children in the program develop a sense of belonging and that families appreciate the communication and support they receive, helping to improve both children’s academic performance and family dynamics.
Housing and Financial Stability Programs
Haley discusses various housing and financial assistance programs aimed at helping families transition to stable housing and improve their financial well-being. She explains two main components: a transitional housing facility for “pre-homeless” individuals and a housing grant program that focuses on financial stability. The housing facility provides dignity and support to help residents overcome obstacles to permanent housing, while the grant program includes mentorship, financial literacy classes, and resources to improve participants’ financial health. She also highlights a job readiness program for men facing employment challenges, which includes soft and job-specific skills training while providing temporary housing.
After-School Program and Volunteer Initiatives
Haley and Ernie discuss the after-school program starting in September, which relies on volunteers and has partnerships with various universities and high schools. He highlights the success of the Kids Dental Day and Shoe Distribution, where children received new shoes and dental care, thanks to partnerships with companies, like Delta Dental of Tennessee, the Nashville Sounds, cityCURRENT and many others. Haley also mentions the need for housing sponsorships to cover the monthly costs of rooms, as most tenants cannot afford the full rent. She encourages people to participate in upcoming events like a golf tournament and their Golden Gala, and provides information on how to learn more and get involved through the organization’s website and social media channels.
Visit https://dreamstreetstn.com to learn more and get involved with Dream Streets.
