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Poverty in Tennessee
Question #2: What is the most extreme example of poverty you have ever seen?
For this week's Ladies of Hive Community Contest, I chose the second question. I grew up in a high poverty area in East Tennessee. I have seen the face of poverty. I lived in Charlotte, NC for over a decade and became homeless myself in 2017. I was headed to a shelter and my brother rang my cellphone. I now live and work in a college town which is home to many disabled and homeless veterans, poor families, neglected elderly and starving artists. The Tri-Cities, including Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol, are all included in the top 20 cities with the highest percentage of poverty in Tennessee. Memphis is high on this list.
Top 20 Cities in Tennessee with the most living in poverty (2019)
- McMinnville - 31.6% (4,155)
- Union City - 31.0% (3,097)
- Athens - 28.3% (3,655)
- Morristown - 26.6% (7,653)
- Lawrenceburg - 25.4% (2,644)
- Memphis - 25.1% (159,673)
- Cookeville - 25.1% (7,677)
- Dyersburg - 25.1% (3,987)
- Knoxville - 24.3% (43,302)
- Elizabethton - 22.8% (2,801)
- Jackson - 22.5% (14,263)
- Johnson City - 20.9% (13,135)
- Bristol - 20.8% (5,466)
- Crossville - 20.8% (2,279)
- Sevierville - 20.4% (3,238)
- Shelbyville - 20.2% (4,270)
- Springfield - 20.2% (3,247)
- Lewisburg - 20.0% (2304)
- Cleveland - 19.5% (8,046)
- Kingsport - 18.9% (9,942)
The Face of Poverty in East TN
Johnson City's homeless brave the elements rather than stay in shelters (2016)
The article above shows a few pictures of Hobo Nation encampment close to downtown Johnson City from 2016. I found another site near the medical center. They were both torn down by Public Works in the summer of 2020. Hobo Nation was near downtown by the railroad and I-26. The other is on the opposite side of the city near JCMC, also close to the railroad. Why are the homeless choosing to suffer in the elements? Most shelters are at capacity and the stigma of being homeless is often shameful and debilitating. Some never change because their trauma cuts so deep.
Hobo Nation was next to old railway bridge
Entrance to Hobo Nation
Living in the shadows: Homelessness in Johnson City (2021)
The homeless were forced out of these sites due to public official's desire to revitalize the downtown and surrounding areas. Local organizations continue to help by supplying clothing, food, necessities, and shelter. I often try to help those living in poverty by giving my spare change or buying a hot meal. I always share my contagious smile and a peace sign. What is your regions sign for Peace? Did you know it's different around the world?
Entrance to homeless encampment near JCMC
Warning: No Criminal Trespassing
New Law in Tennessee
New law criminalizing camping on TN public property (2022)
A new law will be enforced in the state of Tennessee starting July 1, 2022. Camping on public property will be a crime. There are many people that believe it is a law specifically targeting the homeless. Charges include a Class "C" misdemeanor for camping along roadways. If anyone is caught camping on public property, such as parks, they face a felony charge. Governor Lee did not sign the bill for the new law stating:
“One of the reasons that I didn’t sign that bill was because I do think there’s a better way and I want to be a part of that solution.” - Governor Lee (New TN Law)
Governor Lee wants to bring together people of faith, non-profits, government officials, advocates and professionals who understand the issues with housing. In Nashville, Mayor Cooper has proposed a $50 million investment in homelessness. Let's hope it gets approved.
There is Hope
I visited 3 local organizations helping those in poverty. ARCH helps with financial stability using the HUD Emergency Solutions Grant Program. Good Samaritan offers help with food, clothing, and other social services. Good Sam also helps with utilities through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Haven of Mercy is one of the local shelters that helps with housing, food, employment, and stability services. I am planning to volunteer at the Haven of Mercy soon. I also visited the John Sevier Center, historic hotel turned government housing for many disabled, handicapped and elderly. My next visit is to The Melting Pot at Munsey United Methodist Church.
Good Samaritan Thrift Store 🤩
Haven of Mercy 🥰
John Sevier Center constructed in 1924
I want to open a haven for young artists! Peace be with you 😇
Sources:
- Images taken with my cellphone camera
- Cities in Tennessee with the most living in poverty
- Some of Johnson City's homeless brave the elements rather than stay in shelters
- Living in the shadows: Homelessness in Johnson City
- Law that will fine, criminalize camping on TN public property starts July 1 without Governor Lee’s signature
- HUD Emergency Solutions Grant Program
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- 'Elegance' in downtown: The John Sevier Hotel's heyday and history
Congratulations for your support to these communities, that is a good work that I have done in opportunities, congratulations @melyxaluna
Thank you so much for your encouragement and good wishes 🥰 Peace to you and yours 🕉️
You received 2 LADY(LOH) tokens for entering the Ladies of Hive contest!
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You're doing great things for your state, @melexaluna !
Good luck on your dream to open a haven for young artists.
Thanks for sharing @melyxaluna
Good luck with the contest.
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Thank you for the uplifting words. I am so excited to start helping others. I am on the right path 💚🍀☮️⚛️🏳️🌈🕉️☯️🍀💚
Yes you are, @melyxaluna !
Blessing!
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