To Reduce Homelessness In Nashville, Campaign Launches To House 200 Most Vulnerable

The Metropolitan Homeless Commission’s new campaign targets those with medical needs. Director Will Connelly says $1,000 covers the move-in costs for one person. Credit: Leah Terry/WPLN

Nearly 500 people are living in shelters and on the streets of Nashville, according to the results of a new survey the Metro Homeless Commission released Tuesday.

The survey marks the start of the commission’s new campaign, How’s Nashville, a community-oriented approach to ending chronic homelessness. Director Will Connelly announced that its goal is to house 200 people within the next 100 days.

Since almost half of Nashville’s homeless reported to have conditions associated with high risk of death, housing will be prioritized based on medical needs.

Several apartment complexes have agreed to assist by discounting rent and accepting government vouchers, and Connelly is asking for private donations to make up the difference. After the homeless move in, volunteers will help them find jobs and access healthcare.

Connelly was just named director of the Homelessness Commission this year. The agency was created in 2005 with a goal of ending chronic homelessness in a decade. So far, Connelly says the number of people living on the streets hasn’t gone down much, if at all.