The Organized Neighbors of Edgehill (ONE), in its first iteration in 1967, was born from Edgehill United Methodist Church (EUMC), under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Bill Barnes. EUMC was Nashville’s first intentionally integrated congregation. “Folks who would become members of Edgehill [United Methodist] Church would do so fully aware that they were joining a congregation inclusive of racial
and social diversity.” Pastor Bill Barnes went on, “Of course I’d be interested in exploring the founding of an inner city congregation with natural diversity, free to carry on a long love affair with a besieged, neglected neighborhood.” To Love a City, Bill Barnes
One of the strengths of ONE is its rich history in an equally historic neighborhood:
Edgehill is one of Nashville’s oldest neighborhoods. In the face of natural disasters, urban renewal, and the continual encroachment on neighborhood boundaries, the residents of Edgehill have maintained solidarity through strong neighborhood identity. As a result, Edgehill is one of Nashville’s most vocal and active communities.” Nashville Civic Design Center, 2003
The second iteration of ONE began in 1991 and the organization continues to exist to give residents a voice to express their concerns and provide the tools to effectively take action on issues most important to them. ONE organizes around issues like crime reduction, public school monitoring, healthy food access, and affordable housing. Under the ONE umbrella is the Edgehill Family Resource Center which connects the community to much needed services. The ONE/Barnes Scholarship Program couples financial resources for higher education with mentorship and support to send Edgehill students (of all ages) to school.
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Crime and Safety
ONE works with members of the community to address crime and work to create ways for ALL people to feel safe while living, working, or visiting the Edgehill community. ONE helps to organize community watch groups. For the people
ONE keeps careful watch of zoning changes that would affect the quality of life of the residents of the Edgehill community. Metropolitan Government
ONE works to put residents in contact with appropriate metro departments to address residents’ needs. ONE also invites various metro departments into the community to explain their services and how to access them. Health
ONE brings health services into the community to address issues like premature births, proper prenatal care, obesity, diabetes (sugar), hypertension (high blood pressure), depression, and other health concerns. Housing
ONE offers an affordable housing option to people who want to live in the Edgehill community. Food Access
ONE is working to bring better food options to the Edgehill area. In addition to securing a grocery store for the area, ONE also looks at public transportation options that would make trips to the grocery store less difficult for residents. ONE is also working to bring a mobile market into the community that would offer better choices and more reasonable prices. Education
ONE works with other community groups to ensure that our children receive adequate resources and a safe school environment. In addition ONE offers annual SCHOLARSHIPS TO ANY EDGEHILL RESIDENT who is registered in any accredited college or technical school. Edgehill Family Resource Center
ONE is the supporting organization for the Edgehill Family Resource Center which offers many services to the community. www.edgehillcommunity.org or email [email protected]
