Nashville Releases Plan To Boost Homelessness Response August 5, 2021

As communities across the U.S. confront a warm weather- and pandemic-driven increase in street homelessness, Nashville today released a plan to boost its local response. The city will serve up to 40 people at once at two new Mobile Housing Navigation sites, as public safety and cleanup efforts continue across Davidson County.

'Community challenges require community solutions,' Mayor John Cooper said. 'As we address this national challenge here in Nashville, we're using evidence-based approaches to support neighbors, create long-term housing solutions and restore green spaces to their intended public use.'

'We're using data-driven models, and we're leading with compassion and a commitment to work together,' he added.

The city has since October helped 452 people move into stable housing through its federally-funded Rapid Rehousing effort, with resources in place to assist at least another 200 neighbors currently on a waiting list.

Mobile Housing Navigation Centers: A Proven Model

The city will first place these traveling sites - which operate in local churches and other trusted community spaces - in West Nashville and Madison, prioritizing areas where health and safety concerns are most urgent, but current available services are few.

Up to 20 people at each site will receive immediate stabilization and intensive support services. The small-group approach is proven to reduce the time people spend on the path from homelessness to stable housing.

With three Mobile Housing Navigation Centers running concurrently, Nashville could serve an estimated 250 people in the next two years.

Mayor Cooper directed $850,000 for the model, an investment Metro Council approved Tuesday. Meanwhile, MHID will expand its reach as two additional outreach coordinators join the agency.

Results so Far

Of the 452 neighbors Nashville has helped since October:

• All have entered into a one-year lease agreement in their own names
• 296 had previously experienced long-term homelessness (6+ months)
• 211 of these households are families with children

Further to Go

Mayor Cooper renewed his call for more landlords to join the city's Landlord Guarantee Fund,a public-private partnership he launched in May to increase the number of units available for rapid rehousing. Landlords who accept federal housing vouchers can use the fund to cover up to $1,000 in property damages and up to $2,000 in missed rent payments.

About Landlord Guarantee Fund

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