AUGUST 28 TO DECEMBER 9
Safe Haven Family Shelter and The Family Collective of United Way of Greater Nashville, in collaboration with the national organization Community Solutions, joined forces with 30 community organizations and government offices, including the Office of Homeless Services. Together, they successfully housed over 100 families experiencing homelessness in 100 days. This collaborative effort surpassed its initial goal, and ongoing reflections have identified areas for improvement as the collective remains dedicated to solving family homelessness.
There are currently over 500 families on the By Name List (BNL) compiled by the Office of Homeless Services. With an average of 3.6 individuals per family, the BNL includes about 1,800 individuals. The BNL represents a monthly snapshot and includes families in our community who are living in shelters, cars, places not meant for habitation or fleeing domestic violence. Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) reports over 3,000 students experiencing homelessness during the school year. They include a broader definition of homelessness, which includes families who are doubled up.
123 families were housed through the coordinated entry (CE) list. Partners also housed 39 families outside of the CE process. Family homelessness is often referred to as hidden homelessness because many families are doubling up with other families, staying in their cars, motels or shelter making it more challenging to identify. The 120 families housed in the Challenge included those identified as living in cars, shelters, places not meant for habitation or fleeing from domestic violence.
SYSTEM PROCESSES IMPROVED: Improved Coordinated Entry (CE) process for families to expedite housing placements. Enhanced data systems for the By Name List (BNL) to better measure inflow/outflow. Facilitated information sharing among frontline staff to accelerate document readiness for families. Shared resource information across provider agencies. Established a flexible funding source to expedite the housing process.
Housing Placements Through October 2023 *Nov & Dec data not yet available.
100 Day Challenge
The 100 Day Challenge was just the beginning. Our coalition of community and government partners are working on a community-wide FAMILY PLAN that is in alignment with the Continuum of Care strategic plan and outlines specific annual goals to reach functional zero. The Family Plan will outline data-driven approaches to coordinate prevention and housing placements with the goal of reaching Functional Zero for family homelessness. Functional Zero means there are enough resources and support systems in place that homelessness is a rare, brief and non-recurring experience.
In order to be successful, we anticipate needing An efficient evaluation of resources, including addressing a shortage of shelter options and local investments in areas such as low-income and affordable housing, childcare, transportation and landlord incentives. A focus on prevention services, rapid rehousing, housing access, and comprehensive wraparound services with improved data mechanisms to monitor progress and identify necessary course corrections in a timely manner.