Anthes Drive Selected for Next Housing Surge

The Local Prioritization Team has designated Anthes Drive as the next site for a comprehensive housing surge. This initiative is led by the Office of Homeless Services in collaboration with community partners.

"We want to ensure housing for every person staying in this encampment, so closing an encampment is not a quick process. Our prioritization committee identifies areas that need attention, and then there is outreach to residents of the camp, and each one will receive temporary housing assistance and the social supports they need. I appreciate the committee's and OHS's thoughtful approach to camp closures," stated Mayor Freddie O'Connell.

On the afternoon of March 31, the Office of Homeless Services Outreach Team delivered letters to those living at Anthes Drive. These letters outlined the upcoming transition process and available supportive services. Every resident will receive housing solutions and access to comprehensive wraparound services. This compassionate, trauma-informed approach follows national best practices for rehousing encampment residents. "For those already experiencing homelessness, it's crucial that safe and dignified shelter options are available to get people out of tents, into a safe environment, and ultimately back into housing."-National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH).

The Prioritization Team selected Anthes Drive using the Outdoor Housing Strategy assessment tool developed by the Shelter, Weather, Outreach, and Prevention (SWOP) Committee of the Homelessness Planning Council. The site was chosen due to significant safety concerns for those living in the encampment, the surrounding community, and the commuter train passengers. No additional encampments will be named for intervention until the work at this location is complete. While this surge focuses on Anthes Drive, ongoing resources and support remain available to others experiencing homelessness across Nashville.

Camp Rehousing Methodology

Nashville remains a "Housing First" community, committed to national best practices and the guidance of HUD Technical Assistance. This strategy was developed in collaboration with HUD and is informed by local data. In 2022, findings showed Nashville's unsheltered population remained outdoors for an average of five years-well above the national average. Additionally, many individuals were not entered into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) until recent years.

The Coordinated Entry (CE) policy, approved by the Executive Committee and the Homelessness Planning Council, guides the selection process for encampment closures. Housing options are reviewed weekly by service providers during a care coordination call, ensuring a consistent and person-centered approach.

Implementation of the Outdoor Housing Strategy

Personalized, Trauma-Informed Consultation

Residents receive daily, trauma-informed consultations to discuss and select from available housing solutions.

Housing Solutions (including but not limited to)

• Access to Low-Barrier Housing (Apartments, townhomes, and condominiums)
• Family reunification support
• Interim gap housing: Hospitality Hub, the new service provider at Rodeway Inn, offers secure accommodations with supportive services tailored to the needs of the unhoused.
• Shared housing (including low-subsidy options and those tailored for individuals with disabilities)
• Access to substance abuse and mental health treatment facilities

Support for Belongings

Tubs are provided for residents to collect and store their belongings. Secure storage is available for those transitioning to new housing.

Essential Welcome Baskets

Residents moving into their new homes receive welcome baskets with toiletries, cleaning supplies, towels, sheets, and blankets.

Transportation Assistance

Van transportation is provided for residents relocating to new housing.

Comprehensive Orientation and Life Skills Support

Trauma-informed counselors and case managers provide orientations to assist residents in adjusting to life in stable housing, including daily life skills and life management training.

Pet Support Services

Pet relocation is available to ensure residents can remain with their pets. Pet adoption and fostering support are also provided as needed.

A comprehensive list of individuals living at Anthes Drive was created prior to the notices being delivered. Individuals who arrive afterwards, will be referred to emergency housing solutions.

Housing and Supportive Services Investments

The city's commitment to addressing homelessness is supported by a one-time FY22 $50 million American Rescue Plan (ARPA) investment across four key areas:

• Interim Gap Housing: $9M
• Gap Financing for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH): $25M
• Housing First Supportive Services: $9M
• Low Barrier Housing Collective (LBHC) and Competitive Grants: $7M

Historical Camp Rehousing Data

• 182 residents rehoused during the Jefferson Street Bridge initial study.
• 186 residents rehoused from other outdoor encampments (Brookmeade Park, Wentworth-Caldwell Park, T.A. Truck Stop, and Hermitage Camp).
• Recidivism rate is 12%, which is below the national average of 18.7% (excluding pilot study data).

With the support of our community partners, Nashville houses an average of 2,000 people experiencing homelessness each year-and last year was no exception. Between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, our community partners successfully housed 1,902 individuals experiencing homelessness.

Outdoor Homeless Strategy

A housing-focused approach for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness

1. Prioritization Committee determines areas of need
2. Engage with residents to create a coordinated entry list of names
3. Notify community partners and confirm service availability and capacity
4. Identify housing solutions available for residents
5. Engage with case managers and hold gap housing coordination calls
6. Coordinate move process with residents