The data revealed that 725 individuals are unsheltered, while 1,369 are residing in a facility. Notably, the data highlights the disparities in demographics among those experiencing homelessness. Director of the Nashville Office of Homeless Services, April Calvin, stated that unsheltered homeless individuals are typically white… whereas sheltered individuals are more Black and African American.
This information underscores the importance of addressing the unique needs of each group. The data also emphasizes the systemic issues that contribute to homelessness. Nearly half of those counted, 48%, reported having a serious mental illness, and 78% reported having a disability. Despite the challenges, “Calvin expressed optimism about the collective efforts to address homelessness.” She highlighted the unified leadership structure and strategic plan for addressing homelessness… as well as the allocation of $50 million in federal pandemic funding in 2022.
The information in this article was first published in News Channel 5 Nashville (WTVF).
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — How to help those without housing continues to mount concern fromNashville leaders.
Once a year, a census of sorts is taken to count the number of people experiencing homelessness. A one-night count of sheltered and unsheltered persons experiencing homelessness happened on the evening of Jan. 25 and the early morning hours of Jan. 26.
More than 100 volunteers from 27 agencies and universities participated in this year’s count. Nashville saw a decrease in literal homelessness, with 2,094 individuals experiencing homelessness, showcasing a 1.6% decrease from last year. Up to 725 people were unsheltered and 1,369 were inside a facility.
“Unsheltered homeless (people) are typically more white. Sheltered individuals are more Black and African American,” said April Calvin, director of the Nashville Office of Homeless Services.
“When we look at shelter options we want to make sure as a housing focus community, we focus on the permanent housing solutions or temporary housing solutions that we bring on,” Calvin said.
The data also revealed 48% of the people counted reported having a serious mental illness. Of the count, 78% of people reported having a disability.
“It gives us a unified leadership structure. There’s not multiple initiatives. There’s one strategic plan for our continuum of care,” Calvin said.
She’s also been busy helping oversee the $50 million from federal pandemic money that was dedicated to addressing homelessness in 2022.
