Nashville reports 3570 homeless in March while urging faster housing fund utilization

The Continuum of Care: Homelessness Planning Council meeting took place on April 9, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee, focusing on the ongoing challenges and strategies related to homelessness in the city. The meeting highlighted significant discussions around funding allocations, service partnerships, and the current state of homelessness in Nashville.

The meeting began with a discussion on the recent influx of individuals experiencing homelessness. Council members noted that many individuals are reluctant to utilize encampments due to safety concerns but are open to available housing opportunities. Efforts to leverage existing services and funding sources were emphasized, with a focus on creating partnerships that could enhance support for those in need.

A critical point raised during the meeting was the concern over the slow expenditure of allocated funds for low-barrier housing. Out of a $7 million allocation, only $4 million was designated for immediate use, with $3.5 million remaining unspent after two years. Council members expressed frustration over the pace of spending and the need for timely action to ensure that funds are utilized effectively before the end of the fiscal year.

The meeting also featured a report from Hannah, who provided statistics on homelessness in Nashville for March 2025. A total of 3,570 individuals experienced homelessness, with 3,018 households affected, including 230 families and 371 children. Over the past year, 10,286 unique individuals faced homelessness in the city. The report indicated that 306 of those experiencing homelessness were veterans, and 244 were youth aged 18 to 24. Notably, 45% of individuals were experiencing chronic homelessness.

In terms of housing outcomes, 42 individuals were successfully housed in March, marking a slight increase after several months of low numbers. Over the past year, 1,863 individuals have been housed, but the council noted that the inflow of individuals into the homelessness system was unusually high, with 1,097 new entries in March alone.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring the situation and addressing the challenges faced by the homeless population in Nashville. Council members expressed a desire for more proactive measures and effective use of available resources to support those in need.