Today, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville-Davidson County Office of Homeless Services (OHS) unveiled the results of the 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, marking a significant step in the community’s efforts to combat homelessness.
The PIT Count, a one-night census of sheltered and unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness, was conducted on January 25, 2024, and the early morning of January 26, 2024. More than 100 volunteers from 27 agencies and universities participated. Nashville’s emergency shelters operated as usual, counting those staying with them, while volunteers canvassed Davidson County to count those sleeping outdoors or in their vehicles. The Metro overflow shelter and cold weather plan were not activated that night.
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The results showed 2,094 individuals experiencing homelessness, a 1.6% decrease from January 2023. This decline reflects the dedication of the OHS team and community partners.
“In a high-growth city, OHS continues to secure creative housing solutions and innovative resources for our unhoused Nashville Neighbors,” said Director April Calvin. Recently, OHS furnished 131 studio homes in collaboration with a new developer and secured $4 million in ARPA Affordable Housing Gap Loan funding. These efforts aim to provide affordable housing for Nashville’s unhoused residents.
Mayor O’Connell emphasized the city’s commitment to connecting homeless individuals with stable housing, stating, “We remain unwavering in our commitment to connecting anyone experiencing homelessness with the resources they need to find stable housing.” The city plans to open its first public permanent supportive housing facility, The Strobel Center, and improve its Homeless Management Information System for better real-time data.
Jaha Martin, Chairwoman of the Homelessness Planning Council, highlighted the importance of a comprehensive approach, stating, “It’s crucial to prioritize both funding and supportive services to help individuals and families secure and sustain permanent housing.”
Key findings from the 2024 Count include:
– 67% of the adult population experiencing homelessness were men.
– 42% were Black or African American.
– 78% of unsheltered individuals reported having a disability.
– 59% were experiencing chronic homelessness.
– 48% reported mental health needs.
The PIT Count provides valuable insights but is only a snapshot of homelessness at a specific time and does not reflect the true extent of homelessness over an entire year.
For more information on how to help or learn about the work of the Office of Homeless Services, visit the Office of Homeless Services website. To find information about homeless services providers, visit Where to Turn in Nashville. For details on the Low Barrier Housing Collective, visit the Low Barrier Housing Collective website. To join the Nashville Coalition for the Homeless and the CoC, email [email protected].
The Metropolitan Government of Nashville-Davidson County Office of Homeless Services is dedicated to addressing homelessness through comprehensive, community-driven initiatives. Connect with them on social media at Office of Homeless Services on X and Office of Homeless Services on Facebook.
Source: Read Original Release
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