The Metro Office of Homeless Services recently carried out the 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count and Housing Inventory Count for Nashville/Davidson County. This annual event occurred overnight from January 23 to the early hours of January 24. The Nashville Rescue Mission’s Men’s Campus acted as the central hub, where roughly 120 volunteers assembled to receive supplies and assignments before heading out to conduct the count. Participants included city officials like Mayor Freddie O’Connell, the Metro Nashville Police Department, and various community and nonprofit organizations. Unfortunately, one team discovered a deceased individual during the count, and the Metro Nashville Police Department is currently investigating.
The PIT Count is a requirement by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for communities receiving federal funds to address homelessness. This count helps gather crucial data for planning services, allocating resources, and federal reporting. In Nashville, about 20 teams worked to ensure a complete census of the area’s homeless population. Mayor O’Connell noted the importance of the count, stating it helps tailor resources to the community’s most vulnerable and supports projects like Strobel House, Nashville’s first permanent supportive housing.
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To enhance data collection, the Office of Homeless Services used a mobile app named Hyperion. This app aids in collecting location data, functions without cellular service, and minimizes errors through digital tracking. Volunteers were trained to use the app and followed strict privacy protocols.
The methodology of the count included canvassing unsheltered areas and gathering data from local shelters. The survey also included questions about agency engagement and housing acceptance.
Volunteers played a crucial role, recruited through surveys and meetings. Training sessions prepared them for the count, including using the Hyperion app and administering Narcan. Support was provided through various community partners, offering supplies and resources.
Nashville recently received $11,846,313 from HUD’s FY 2024 Continuum of Care (CoC) program, an increase from the previous year. This funding supports Nashville’s efforts to address homelessness through strategic resource allocation. The increased funding highlights the importance of the PIT Count in informing and guiding these decisions.
This year’s PIT Count, along with the increased CoC funding, represents significant progress in Nashville’s efforts to address homelessness, aiming to create a more supportive community.
For further information, visit the Office of Homeless Services website.
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