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On behalf of the hundreds of Tennessee families that we serve each year, Safe Haven Family Shelter requests the State’s consideration of a one-time, non-recurring $500,000 to be included in the FY25 State Budget to support TN families with direct intervention and assistance from Safe Haven’s Sheltering Families Fund. This fund honors the memory of Drew Alexander, Tennessee family advocate and late son of Tennessee’s First Family Honey and Lamar Alexander, for his efforts in helping Safe Haven build capacity and expand our shelter program to meet the growing need to serve families experiencing homelessness. Funds would be invested to sustain the increased capacity (up to 30 families concurrently) of serving families experiencing homelessness through our Shelter Program in 2024. Funds will provide shelter to families experiencing homelessness in hotels, keep families together and provide workforce development, children’s education/enrichment programs, financial literacy, case management and assistance in obtaining affordable housing.
INCREASED NEED Nearly 500 families experiencing homelessness awaiting shelter and housing support in Middle Tennessee. That is around 2,000 adults and children. Limited shelter resources for families, especially for those in rural areas of Middle Tennessee. Rise in shelter and housing costs due to increased costs of housing, transportation, food, clothing and more.
FUNDING GAP DHS funds through United Way are not being renewed, which creates a funding gap of $500,000 for six months in 2024. We need to sustain the increased capacity of shelter services at a time when Middle Tennessee needs to have this vital resource available for families experiencing homelessness. The funding gap means around 100 families would not receive shelter services. That is 400 adults and children that will desperately need support. This will overburden community resources and pull from state resources with less impact.
ABOUT SAFE HAVEN For 40 years, Safe Haven has served as the premier shelter-to-housing program in Middle Tennessee that accommodates families experiencing homelessness. Safe Haven leads our community’s efforts to house, support, empower and advocate for families, allowing them to stay together. In 2023, Safe Haven provided transformative services focused on housing and employment to 332 families, providing them with the resources to become selfsufficient and successful. Leader in addressing family homelessness in Middle Tennessee. Recognized locally and nationwide for its excellence in best practices, innovation and collaboration. Serves couples with children, single parents and multi-generational families with children up to 18 years of age. Provides families with workforce development, financial literacy, case management, children’s education programs and housing services. Member of The Family Collective, a partnership with TN Dept. of Human Services, United Way, Siemer Institute and nearly 30 collaborative partners throughout Davidson, Robertson, Cheatham, Rutherford and Williamson counties.
2023 IMPACT 332
WHY SAFE HAVEN We provide 65% of the rapid rehousing services for the families through coordinated entry. We serve around 330 families annually. One of the only family shelters in the state, and one of the only to accept single fathers and multigenerational families with children. Increased capacity of our Shelter Program from 10 to upwards of 30-40 families served at a time through partnerships with extended stay hotels. Leading agency that collaborates with organizations to serve more families.
safehaven.org
FAMILIES SERVED
91%
148
HOUSING PLACEMENTS
499
HOUSING RETENTION SUCCESS RATE
EMPLOYMENT SESSIONS
758
201
CHILDREN SERVED
STUDENTS RECEIVED EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT