Statements
Mission
Dream Streets exists to protect and empower our neighbors living in distress.
Background
In the Spring of 2013, The Cross Point Dream Center opened its doors. At that time, we didn't know who we'd reach, but we knew there was hope needed based on the circumstances of those living near the ministry center in the 37209 zip code of West Nashville. Ministry began in the middle of drug deals, poverty and messy relationships. We started with a worship service on Sundays-- one hour of positive, life giving content and music. However, we quickly realized a worship service isn't enough. There are 167 hours of life to be lived and navigated after one hour of worship on a Sunday. Many of us get through these hours by leaning on and having community with our family, friends and even co-workers; we are the lucky ones. You can walk 3 blocks in any direction of the current West Nashville Dream Center location and you will see why 167 hours lasts a lot longer here. Even those in the community that do everything they can to keep themselves and their families away from violence, abuse and addiction, see it each day outside their doorstep. At the West Nashville Dream Center, we recognized that in order to transform people's hearts, lives and the neighborhood they live in, we have to be present during these 167 hours. It is a sustained, consistent presence that drives lasting change. In 2016 we became our own non profit entity and in 2022 we rebranded to Dream Streets to better reflect our mission as we expand to a multi-site organization. Our West location is open 7 days per week and our North Nashville location is open every day but Sunday. Our main demographic of service is single moms and their children; however, we serve any individual who walks through our doors, as we believe that those who ask for help should be shown the respect we all deserve. We support both through supplemental resources that meet physical, emotional and spiritual needs and family-strengthening tools for all ages. Our purpose is carried out by passionate partners who give their time volunteering and/or their resources through funding. There is a place for you at Dream Streets and we invite you to be part of our fight for 'Dreams Inspired and Hope Renewed'.
Impact
2023 was a landmark year for Dream Streets as we continued to serve and empower the people of West and North Nashville like never before. Our Mobile Food Distribution program rescued over 500,000 pounds of food from fifteen food partners and redistributed it to over 42,000 food insecure households. We completed our second year of the North Nashville After School Program in partnership with Robert Churchwell Elementary School, and 88% of parents reported an increase across the board in all ten measured results of their children's enrollment and participation in our program (academic progress, academic engagement, peer and authoritative relationships, social emotional health, fine arts activities, physical activity, emotional regulation). We finished our pilot year of the Job Readiness Program and are looking forward to implementing some areas of improvement and strengthening areas that served the justice-involved population well to continue that program into the future. In January 2024, we acquired a 48 bed establishment and opened the James R. Brown Transitional Housing Facility to serve the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population here in Middle Tennessee who are at risk for homelessness due to the rising costs of living coupled with the speed at which Nashville is gentrifying. We are excited to continue in the fight for safe and equitable housing for all who call Nashville home.
Needs
As we expand our outreach efforts in West and North Nashville to serve individuals and families living in crisis, we are in need of additional volunteers and monetary resources. We currently need approximately 150 volunteers per week to run our programs at optimal capacity. We are working with Hands On Nashville to increase our exposure to volunteers looking for opportunities to serve; however, we remain, on average, at approximately 50% of our necessary number. Our annual operating budget more than doubled with the addition of the Transitional Housing Facility, and we are currently looking for individuals or corporate donors to commit to sponsoring the cost of a room for a term of two years. Each room costs $1000/month and will help offset the tenants who need time and wraparound resources to build their ability to pay their rent in full. Having rooms sponsored will give individuals and families the space to find healing, peace, and acquire the skills necessary to find success. Each of our tenants is assigned a dedicated case manager to assess their individualized goals, work through barriers to success, connect them to resources, and hold tenants accountable for taking action steps to achieve their goals and find permanent living after a maximum tenancy of one year.
CEO Statement
I have been here since day one in 2013 because I fully believe in the mission of protecting and empowering people living in distress. Myself and my entire family are committed and a part of this dream to see the streets of West and North Nashville restored. We will be here as long as we are needed and we believe in and love the communities we are working in.
Board Chair Statement
It's truly an honor for me to serve on a diverse board that is intensely dedicated to the overall care of its' neighboring communities. Dream Streets is committed to and supports well-established programs for moms and kids that drive observable change as a result of its presence-- we see the impacts every day! Dream Streets, through multiple campaigns, has done an exemplary job with continuous fundraising which fuels the needs of our mission with continued expansion in West and North Nashville. With continued support, I see us feeding more kids, empowering more moms, and demonstrating how a local community can be transformed through unconditional love and support. As a board member since 2017, I fully recognize the challenges that Dream Streets and our communities often face, but I also fully recognize that the Dream Streets is ahead of the curve in its ongoing efforts to serve. My family and I love Dream Streets and believe in its' bright future!
Service Categories |
|
| Primary Category: | Public & Societal Benefit - Public & Societal Benefit NEC |
| Secondary Category: | Youth Development - Youth Development Programs |
| Tertiary Category: | Mental Health & Crisis Intervention - Fund Raising & Fund Distribution |
Areas Served
We serve low-income, MDHA, and Section 8 apartment complexes and communities located in the 37209 and 37208 zip codes of the West and North Nashville area.
| TN - Davidson |
