I was amazed at "The Bridge Ministry" of Candy Christmas (and yes, that is her name and she is an amazing, gorgeous, and vivacious woman who fits her name perfectly!) and she has weathered obstacles, barriers and the weather itself (you try putting on an outdoor event every Tuesday night for six years under a freeway overpass in Tennessee and tell me the weather was never a problem!)She was cited for providing food without the proper permits back when Nasvhille's finest went from busting robbers, rapists and murderers to the"food fuzz" and shut down street feedings all over the city. Rather than give up and go home, Candy and here crew jumped through the necessary hoops, paid for the additional equipment needed to keep the food hot enough to meet "legal" standards, and was back at it without missing a meal.
Bridge Becomes Sanctuary For Homeless
Posted: Dec 22, 2009 9:19 PM CST0000
By Eric White
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Living on Nashville's streets during the holidays is not easy. Just ask Raymond Hampton.
"I lost my job. Lost my family," said Hampton.
Hampton did not expect to receive anything for Christmas. Tuesday night, the Bridge of Hope Ministry exceeded Hampton's expectations.
"It's the best program they got going for all the homeless," said Hampton.
More than 100 volunteers helped feed more than 500 of Nashville's homeless.
The area underneath the Jefferson Street Bridge near 2nd Avenue North was turned into an impromptu sanctuary.
"We're here to bring some Christmas cheer and to brighten up the holiday for a lot of people in need," said ministry president Candy Christmas.
The ministry president said the demand for services is rising. Entire families are ending up on the streets.
In an effort to help the less-fortunate celebrate Christmas, Ministers preached and choir members sang Christmas carols.
Volunteers also passed out care packages which included winter clothing and essential toiletries.
