Bloom program opens floral farm to support housing for pregnant women

A new initiative aimed at supporting pregnant and postpartum women facing homelessness was unveiled during the recent Continuum of Care meeting in Nashville. The program, known as Bloom, seeks to provide a pathway to homeownership through a unique floral social enterprise model.

Bloom operates a five-acre floral farm where women can gain employment by creating and selling floral arrangements. This initiative not only offers a source of income but also aims to help participants save for future homeownership. The program is designed to address the specific challenges faced by women experiencing homelessness during pregnancy, which can lead to serious health complications and increased vulnerability.

The program is structured in phases, beginning with "Planting Seeds," which focuses on establishing stability and personal goal setting. As participants progress, they will engage in activities that promote physical and emotional well-being, financial literacy, and skill-building in areas such as gardening and parenting. The final phase, "Harvesting," celebrates the participants' growth and aims to secure permanent housing.

Dr. Lister, the program's founder and a maternal fetal medicine specialist, emphasized the importance of addressing health disparities for pregnant women. Alongside her, maternal fetal patient advocate Kijuana shared her personal journey and commitment to empowering women through knowledge and resources.

The Bloom program recently celebrated the opening of its new facility in Jolton, which will serve as a home for three expectant or postpartum mothers and a site for the floral farm stand. The initiative has already raised $20,000 to support its mission and is actively seeking community involvement through donations and volunteer opportunities.

As Nashville continues to grapple with homelessness, programs like Bloom highlight innovative approaches to support vulnerable populations and foster long-term stability for families in need.