There are plenty of housing stories from frustrated renters, would-be-homeowners, and everyday Nashville residents who want to see affordable housing become real, tangible, and sustained within our neighborhoods and communities. Today, we’re sharing more of the stories we’ve received throughout this series. But it doesn’t stop there, we’re also highlighting recent progress for a housing challenge and a new Metro office addressing homelessness. 

More Real People, Real Stories
My Community’s Keeper – Kate P.
Earlier this year, I was involved in a controversial development in my district with massive opposition spanning multiple districts and watched as my councilperson abandoned their constituents, refused to engage with us in any productive or meaningful ways, and played the victim at every turn. More than 3,000 people opposed this development led by a new-to-town billion dollar developer with a bad reputation. It was my first time to really get involved in something like this… it was one of the most disheartening projects I’ve been involved in and left me feeling so down about the future of Nashville and so disappointed in our city’s leadership — from the Planning Commission and Planning Department to the Council and Mayor’s Office. No one’s running the show except developers.

Two of the primary takeaways for me in all of this were: 1) How everyday citizens are set up for failure and how lawyers and lobbyists and PR people turn everything into a battle that they know they’re going to win, and 2) the systems that are in place that regular ol’ people like me have to figure out and navigate on their own are convoluted, unorganized, inefficient, overly and unnecessarily complicated, and a complete waste of taxpayers’ and elected and appointed officials’ time.

Developers get whatever they want in this city and as they bulldoze their way through our communities, they’re taking our city’s DNA with them. And rather than solely point the finger at developers, I think we as Nashvillians have to do a better job of working together.

Bad Business & No Help – Bernice B.
“I lost $41,000 paying rent to an entity that is no longer registered with the state and has terminated their business; they should not be allowed to do business in Nashville or Tennessee. I have three years of evidence. I reached out to the Secretary of State’s office and was told it is not their job to keep up with terminated entities, that’s the Attorney General’s job. I met with my councilwoman who said she cannot prosecute them, but she could at least hold them accountable. I wonder how many other leasing companies are actually terminated businesses.

Looking to Leave – Diamond B.
My sister and I pay $1,350 in rent for a two bedroom, one bath basic apartment. We are now considering moving to Clarksville, because it’s cheaper and nicer. It’s sad that we even have to consider moving far because that’s the only way we can afford something.

Housing for 100 Families in 100 Days
United Way of Greater Nashville, The Family Collective, and Safe Haven Family Shelter met the goal of their 100 Day Challenge which aimed to secure housing for 100 Nashville-area families experiencing homelessness in 100 days. Fueled in partnership with 30 community organizations, the collaborative effort was designed to use “the latest, best practices in supporting families experiencing homelessness to become more efficient, more collaborative and serve families faster.”

Many people see homelessness as a problem for individuals, however, there are many families struggling to find and maintain housing. Dubbed as hidden homelessness, it is often more challenging to resolve than individual homelessness. Families may live in their cars, temporarily with relatives, or are separated due to limited housing options. 

The Tennessean reported that the challenge brought a valuable shift to how the participating groups approached their goal. Jennifer Reason, chief operating officer at Safe Haven Family Shelter shared, “I think it’s still a work in progress, but it has really helped us shift this mindset from each individual agency to like, together as the overall community.” It’s great to see community groups coming together to address this solvable problem. As a city we should be prioritizing everyone having access to safe, well-maintained, and affordable housing. 

For those who want to learn more about the root causes of homelessness, check out the Western Regional Advocacy Project’s must-read report, Without Housing: Decades of Federal Housing Cutbacks, Massive Homelessness, and Policy Failures. 

Same Problems, New Office
Did you know Metro has a new Office of Homeless Services? It launched this summer and serves as data manager and lead in providing solutions and expertise to reducing the city’s homelessness. While not a direct service organization, it manages the city’s response and is a central hub that works with multiple community partners, coordinates services to be provided by non-profit organizations, and creates solutions to help provide safe and stable living options and support for those experiencing homelessness. 

What data and information would you like to see the Office of Homeless Services release on the state of homelessness and progress towards reducing it? The American Rescue Plan allotted for $50 million to address the number of unhoused people in housing resource centers that are there beyond 90 days, which is when permanent housing should be secured. What happened with that funding and what impact did it make locally? 

Thanks to everyone who has shared their story, spread awareness for this series, and used their individual power to effect change to create an equitable Nashville for all. 

Together in advocacy and action, 

Stand Up Nashville