Study: Nashville Needs Unified System For Homelessness Response

A new study from a California consultant encourages Nashville to improve conditions for the homeless by combining redundant programs.

Right now, housing and social service authorities provide aid through similar initiatives. But because each agency works with different nonprofits, it’s hard to share data that reveals who’s homeless and what care they receive.

Will Connelly, director of the Metro Homelessness Commission, says a more organized system would benefit a diverse group — including veterans and families in crisis.

He has three goals for the system: 
“That we’re housing-focused, that we’re person-centered, and we’re data-informed, so we’re trying to get people into housing as quickly as possible,” he said.

The mayor’s office supports the effort to reorganize, but several nonprofits want more time.

Meanwhile, local officials are busy addressing other weaknesses pinpointed by the study.