Homeless Memorial

The number of homeless people who’ve died this year in Nashville appears to have dropped, but homeless advocates say all of the deaths probably haven’t been reported.

According to the Homeless Power Project, a local advocacy group, the number of homeless deaths has been in the mid-50’s for the past few years. 33 homeless people have died this year from various causes, including one victim who was beaten to death.

Howard Allen who’s homeless, is on the Mayor’s Commission to end chronic homelessness. Allen says housing remains the biggest issue for the homeless community.

“One of the most traumatic things that I’ve seen with the homeless is the lack of housing. And when you have a lack of housing, you make bad decisions. And some decisions where you don’t want to be in shelters so you’re just out in the streets and when you’re in the streets, sometimes things happen.”

A memorial service was held Saturday for those homeless who’ve died.