Community Bridges-Connect The Dots

was founded in 2019 by

April Burns-Norris

"The People's Advocate 

Mrs. Norris radiates empathy and compassion as she shares knowledge and resources gained throughout her personal life journey with the individuals and communities that she provides her non-profit services to. 

Her life is a living testimony.

After experiencing multiple harsh realities of life including, but not limited to homelessness, poverty, and living with a permanent disability, Mrs. Norris decided to use her experiences to advocate for systemic changes to better address the concerns of others who are in need of shelter and supportive services.

This is how Community Bridges-Connect The Dots was born. ​​

​

April continues to be a dedicated community advocate and tenant organizer whose work is grounded in over two decades of direct experience with chronic homelessness. April understands the critical importance of housing stability for vulnerable populations. She actively utilizes her first-hand knowledge to advocate for systemic changes that strengthen tenant rights and expand access to supportive services.

​

 

April is a member of the 2024-2025 National Low-Income Housing Coalition’s Collective Cohort of tenant leaders, actively shaping national policy discussions on housing equity. She has also held significant local leadership positions. She served as the Policy and Advocacy Chair of the Nashville-Davidson County Homelessness Planning Council’s (HPC) Consumer Advisory Board, where she guided policy recommendations directly impacting the homeless response system. Concurrently, she was the Chair of the HPC Governance Charter Committee, focused on ensuring transparency and accountability in the council's structure. 

​

​The current focus areas of her work includes but is not limited to, helping disabled households achieve self-sufficiency through securing SSI/SSDI benefits, utilizing Section 8 vouchers for homeownership, and heir’s property protection.

​