2009 Conference Attendees

Access, Adherence, and Advocacy--Keywords for June 18th Health Disparities Conference

Nearly 60 Nashville stakeholders joined forces at the Downtown Library to discuss the current state of healthcare for the poor and what can be done to improve it locally. The conference featured:

a moving and inspiring keynote address by Erie Chapman, CEO of the Baptist Healing Trust and author of Radical Loving Care
a panel discussion including:
- Mary Bufwack, CEO of United Neighborhood Health Services
- Ronda Switzer, Executive Director of Interfaith Dental Clinic
- Sean Muldoon, Director of Client Services at Nashville CARES
- Luvenia Butler, Director of the Tennessee Division of Minority Health and Health Disparities Elimination , Tennessee Department of Health
discussion groups for substance abuse, chronic diseases/HIV/AIDS, mental and behavioral health, and primary health care

If you're interested in joining e-mail work groups for substance abuse, chronic diseases (including HIV/AIDS), mental and behavioral health, and/or primary health care, please call or e-mail Traci Patton, UHS Health Advocate at 726-2696, ext. 142 or traci@urbanhousingsolutions.org The conference was sponsored by the Baptist Healing Trust and the Human Rights Commission. And, as we heard from Erie Chapman, "Namaste" (the light in me greets the light in you).

And the Award Goes to . . .

The economy has been rough on everyone. When your well-being depends largely on the generosity of donors, you have to be careful to manage the limited resources you have--especially when donations plummet. The HCA Foundation, in an effort to help the Middle Tennessee nonprofit community, sponsored a cost savings competition. Urban Housing Solutions won the large agency category for our Middle Tennessee nonprofit cost savings Web site idea! In addition to a $2,500 check, the HCA Foundation committed to implementing our idea! The award was announced at the Center for Nonprofit Management's Bridge to Excellence Conference on May 12th. Congrats to the other large agency finalists--Adventure Science Center and CASA of Davidson County; the small agency winner, Eating Disorders Coalition of Tennessee, and the small agency finalists--Nashville Opportunities Industrialization Center and the Council on Aging of Greater Tennessee.

In Loving Memory

Michael Walden

Michael Walden, Director of Property Management and Maintenance for Urban Housing Solutions, passed away on Monday,

January 19^th. He worked for UHS for 11 years and left behind scores of friends—not only his fellow employees but vendors and residents, as well. Michael’s funny, easygoing nature will be missed by all of us.

Donations may be made to the Vanderbilt Burn Center in his memory.

We are planning a new community area at our Eastwood Courts location in Michael's honor. To be named Michael's Place, it will include a new playground, benches, landscaping, and possibly a community garden. If you would like to help, please call Brandi at 726-2696, ext. 114.

UHS Awarded New Property

In the spring of 2008, we were chosen to receive a former East Nashville nursing home over more than two dozen nonprofits! Forrest Preston, the donor of the property, chose us based on our proposal to convert the space into both affordable living for Nashville's deaf and community space. He also knew that we had the ability to complete such a project.

The property, to be named 701 Porter, is at the corner of Porter Road and Eastland Avenue. It will provide about 35 affordable apartments. Most will be safe, affordable housing for Nashville's deaf. The small cafeteria may be converted to a cafe with possible performance space for exhibits, open-mic nights, meetings, or activities sponsored by the League for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Seven upper-level units will be small shops for artists, entrepreneurs, or even pastry chefs to sell their wares to the community. One business, Montessori of Middle Tennessee, opened its doors in August 2009.

Plans are still underway, but we thank Mr. Preston for this honor and opportunity. We also thank you for your involvement with us, without which we couldn't continue to undertake great ventures such as this! We will keep you updated on this visionary project's progress!

*News Flash*
New Web Site for 701 Porter

Visit today for commercial leasing opportunities and 701 Porter's concept design.
Phase I construction has already begun.

Here's what Urban Housing Solutions offers:

Over 600 affordable rental apartments at different locations throughout Nashville and Madison.
Safe, secure, well-lighted properties that have been Section 8 approved.
Good locations close to bus lines, grocery stores, laundries, and other conveniences.
Below market-rate rents.
Specialized housing for the homeless, individuals in recovery, and people with mental illness. We also have housing for individuals and families who simply cannot afford market-rate housing. Our monthly rent starts at just $360 for an efficiency apartment.
Assistance with emotional and mental health problems, transportation, and substance abuse issues.
Linkage to a variety of other governmental and private services and benefits through our team of social workers.
Spanish translations of applications, leases, and other forms.

411 Murfreesboro Pike
Nashville, Tennessee 37210
(615) 726-2696