Nashville Clean Streets: At your service!

"Is that guy cleaning the street?"

My first words - and maybe yours, too - when I saw Steve on his hands and knees in the median of Old Hickory Blvd. He was using a screw and a donated broom to scrape and sweep the overgrown joints in the concrete median. It was getting dark.

I passed him again the next morning, and this time I could see his progress. The street - our street - looked like a million bucks! I pulled over to say thanks. His work hit home because I've often thought, "instead of passively looking for help, can't an able-bodied person be a contributor, then ask for a little support?" Well, Steve found a way, and it was time for me to put my money where my mouth was.

Yes, he's homeless, yes, he's trying to support a child (she's well taken care of by his sister), but, no, he doesn't want a handout and he's not looking for sympathy. Steve is a worker who simply saw how bad his environment looked and decided to do something about it. And we - me, you, and thousands of drivers every day- all benefit from his initiative.

TDOT and local governments have the responsibility to maintain our public street infrastructure. They do the best they can, but their budgets are stretched thin and their priorities rarely include keeping things looking nice.

That's where Steve's Nashville Clean Streets work comes in. He starts by cleaning debris from clogged storm grates, then goes to work removing cups, bags, butts, car parts, and especially weeds. His careful attention to detail leaves the streets looking brand new, and at zero cost to the taxpayer. Imagine that!

But, fair is fair, and the man is working for us! He deserves our support. So, let's provide Steve with the basic supplies he needs to keep our streets looking good and reward his humble mindset of service. Thank you donors, and thank you Steve!