Press Release - Nov. 18, 2010 PDF Print E-mail

Chris Johnson partners with Project Homeless Connect

One-day event to provide thousands of services to Nashvillians struggling with homelessness


Nashville, Tenn. (Nov. 18, 2010) – Record-setting, All Pro running back Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans has partnered with Project Homeless Connect, a one-day event organized by The Key Alliance, that provides thousands of direct services to homeless Nashvillians at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds on Dec. 8.
 
“Having Number 28 join our team is exciting news,” Clifton Harris, executive director of The Key Alliance, said. “Project Homeless Connect is one way people in our community can reach out and help our homeless neighbors in need. Chris Johnson has recognized that, and we are thrilled that he has joined The Key Alliance in making a difference.”
 
The Key Alliance, the nonprofit fundraising arm of The Metropolitan Homelessness Commission, is launching a campaign calling on all Nashvillians to join and make a difference in homelessness.
 
“In sports you always hear the phrase, ‘Go Hard or Go Home.’ But there are thousands of people in Nashville who don’t have a home,” Johnson said. “Let’s get together as a community and do what we can do to make a difference. I’m challenging Nashville to join The Key Alliance.”
 
In addition to lending his name and efforts to the cause, Johnson has made a large donation of Nike sweatshirts, t-shirts, and socks to support the event on Dec.8.
 
Johnson will also be featured in a series of public service announcements on behalf of The Key Alliance. These PSAs will help create awareness around the issues of homelessness in Nashville and invite people to be a part of the solution.
 
People can join the Key Alliance online at www.thekeyalliance.org/phc where they can sign up as volunteers for Project Homeless Connect, make a financial contribution, join the coat drive, organize a toiletry drive, and learn about homelessness in general.
 
Last year’s Project Homeless Connect provided more than 9,500 services to 1,500 individuals and families struggling with homelessness with the help of 70 service providers and 700 volunteers.
 
 
 
Event information:
 
 
 
WHO:             The Key Alliance, the nonprofit fundraising arm of the Metropolitan Homelessness Commission, in partnership with the Nashville Chamber Public Benefit Foundation and 70 direct service providers.
 
WHAT:           Project Homeless Connect improves access to services and housing for homeless Nashvillians.
 
WHEN:           8 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010.
 
 
WHERE:         Tennessee State Fairgrounds, 500 Wedgewood Avenue.
 
 
WHY:              To provide direct services to 1,500-2,000 individuals and families struggling with homelessness in Nashville.
 
HOW:             Get involved at www.thekeyalliance.org/phc .
 
 
 
 
*Chris Johnson will not be able to attend Project Homeless Connect on Dec. 8.

 

 

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  • onlinedonations
To donate online, click on the "Join The Key Alliance" button.
The Key Alliance is a
501(c)3 nonprofit organization that partners with the Metropolitan Homelessness Commission to bring together the community to collaborate around permanent solutions to homelessness in Nashville.

NEWSTICKER

Upcoming Events:

End Homelessness Eraselets
The Key Alliance together with the Metropolitan Homelessness Commission is utilizing a new marketing tool called Eraselets, which are wristbands that also serve as erasers. The message on the Eraselets is End Homelessness. Eraselet inventor Bryan Ricci became homeless at the age of 15. Currently he is trying to get his product into Wal-Mart.

Operation Stand Down
The 20th Annual Operation Stand Down Event has been scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 12, 13 and 14, 2012 at the old TN Preparatory School (TPS) Gymnasium Please note this is a return to our regular weekend format! The address is 1164 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210.

Community Calendar
The Key Alliance hosts a new feature on its Website: A Community Calendar (view tab on the left). Service providers are invited to email details of their events and happenings they would like to be listed on our Community Calendar to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Contributor goes to twice monthly
On Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, The Contributor, Nashville's successful street newspaper, will publish two issues per month. "In a time when print media is on the decline, street newspapers all around the world have seen major increases in distribution. The Contributor, now the highest-distributing street newspaper in North America, is a leader in the global street newspaper movement’s success. Thanks to the hard work and determination of its vendors and staff, as well as the generosity of its donors, The Contributor has grown exponentially over the last two years, enabling approximately one-third of the paper’s vendors to earn enough money to obtain housing." - Andrew Krinks, The Contributor's editor, in a recent press release.

Volunteer Award
The Key Alliance is proud to announce that our volunteer, Ben Morton, was honored with the Phyllis M. Frank Volunteer Award by the Nashville Coaltion for the Homeless for his outstanding efforts to help the local homeless community. Read the press release here.

Adopt A Unit
The Key Alliance, in partnership with the Metropolitan Homelessness Commission, has launched a new program called Adopt A Unit that invites congregations to help formerly homeless individuals establish a household.
For more information, click here.

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The next MHC meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 2, 2012, at 9:30 a.m. in the Sonny West Conference Room of the Howard Office Building (Fulton Complex), 700 Second Ave. South.
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A Summary Report of the Committee on Police/Homeless Issues of the MHC is posted here.
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Adopt A Meter Program
The Key Alliance has partnered with NashVitality to promote its Adopt A Meter program.
The program places refurbished "parking" meters in high foot traffic areas Downtown. All change collected will benefit homeless outreach with the goal to place people into Housing First. For a $1,000 sponsorship, contact Clifton Harris at 862-6401 or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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The Key Alliance launched a Speaker's Bureau program. We are available to speak to groups larger than 10 members including businesses, neighborhood associations, civic groups and congregations.
Contact Judy Tackett at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to set up YOUR meeting.
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To date the Metropolitan Homelessness Commission and MDHA have been able to connect 37 homeless individuals who lost everything in the May floods with Section 8 Housing vouchers. The Homelessness Commission has closed the program. All Section 8 Voucher applicants have to go through MDHA's Secion 8 Office at 620 Dew Street.
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If you would like to be included on our volunteer e-mail list for special events and other opportunities, or sign up for our newsletter, please contact Judy Tackett at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
For media inquiries
call Judy Tackett at 517-7000.