Winter Weather Briefing

Metro Social Services has shifted its daily activities in adjustment to the impending snowstorm. Our client demographic is comprised of individuals and families in Davidson County that are battling multiple barriers to a stable lifestyle thus, many do not have transportation nor ample finances to adequately support themselves, or are managing mental health and medical challenges, and more.

In order to ensure they are safe and stable during the snowstorm, we have taken the following precautions as of Thursday, Jan.9:

Regular and Emergency Meal Delivery

This service is specifically for our homebound clients in congregate settings and private residences. Clients include seniors and those who are disabled

1,598 - the number of regularly scheduled weekly meals that our home ambassadors delivered to our 822 clients.

822 - the number of emergency food boxes given this week to each client to hold them over should the snow impact their access to food and our ability to deliver more food to them on Monday.

The boxes can last them up to one week. Food included does not require electricity to prepare or open.

Senior Welfare Calls: Level 2

This service is available to all of our senior and disabled clients - homebound and not. This is a new service we recently launched.

900 - roughly the number of calls conducted by our social workers this week, checking on our senior and disabled clients. In addition to their general wellbeing, as part of the Level 2 status, staff asked weather specific questions such as: "Do you need us to get your prescriptions refilled before the storm?" "Is your heating system working properly?" If they had a need, staff was dispatched to immediately address their need.

Urgent Home Visits

8 - the number of home visits we made to clients for various critical needs ahead of the storm. Three of the clients are not enrolled in our nutrition program and would have been without food during the snow event. Staff delivered emergency meal boxes to them. The other clients had other pertinent needs that needed to be addressed quickly before being snowed in.

Communication with OEM

MSS' executive director Renee Pratt has been in close communication with Chief Swann, head of Nashville's Office of Emergency Management throughout the week, monitoring the weather event. Additionally, Director Pratt has directed department leadership to monitor the weather and work closely with staff and other departments to ensure the safety of Nashville residents.

Office Hours

MSS office and phone line will be closed, Friday, Jan.10, 2025. We will monitor the weather to determine our office and phone hours for Monday, Jan.13, 2024.

About Metropolitan Social Services

Metropolitan Social Services provides a range of services to help Davidson County residents who are in need. These services promote positive change for individuals and families in times of crisis and economic hardship. We provide: information and referral, counseling, family support, life management skills, mental health support, nutrition, burial services, strategic planning and research.

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