In My Place, Episode 6: Hidden homelessness

When people think about homelessness, they usually think of the people they see holding up a sign on a street corner, sleeping on a park bench, or asking for money outside of a store.

They may think of the local emergency shelter or an encampment that has popped up in their neighborhood. But rarely do they think about a student in the local school system, a young person kicked out from their home, two or more families sharing a 2-bedroom apartment or living in motel rooms. Families are among the fastest-rising populations experiencing homelessness. Today, we examine the many faces of “hidden homelessness” and how communities like Nashville can address the issue by building a system in which all people have access to safe and affordable housing.

In My Place educates listeners on what cities like Nashville can do to prevent and end homelessness — while caring for our neighbors who are still unhoused. We talk to national and local guests about everything from best practices to worst failures and hear from people who intimately know the complexities of having nowhere to go. This show highlights how affordable housing affects each of us even if we think it doesn’t.

This series was created thanks in part to support from Pinnacle Financial Partners.

This episode was produced by Judy Tackett and Tasha A.F. Lemley.

Today’s guests:

Kate Pooler | Program Director of Basic Needs, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville
Bennett Baker | Volunteer and peer support
Catherine Knowles | Director of Special Populations, MNPS
Lindsey Krinks | Street chaplain; Cofounder, Open Table Nashville
Deirdre Nicole Childress | Guest commentator

Further in:

• Overview Episode of In My Place
• Episode 1: Homelessness Facts and Faces
• Episode 2: Housing First
• Episode 3: Housing Strategies
• Episode 4: The interconnectedness of health care, housing and homelessness
• Episode 5: Upstream homelessness prevention

NOTE: This Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 11:30am-3pm, Metro Social Services is giving away free backpacks and school supplies. They’ll also have case managers on-site who will assist individuals and parents who are facing financial a crisis. Folks can connected to resources like SNAP benefits, disability applications, etc. The address is 3055 Lebanon Pike in Hermitage.