Closing the gap

Nashville, Tennessee, celebrated for its vibrant music scene and rich cultural heritage, has experienced significant growth in recent years. However, this prosperity has brought a pressing challenge: the need for more affordable housing. As housing costs continue to rise and income inequality widens, the need for financially accessible housing has become critical. In response, Freeman Webb Company, AMO^®, a prominent Nashville-based real estate firm, launched the Davis Housing Initiative. Named in honor of Kirby Davis, the company’s former COO, who retired in 2023, this program represents a concerted effort to address homelessness and housing insecurity in the city.

Preventive measures and a moral imperative

The Davis Housing Initiative emerged from a collaborative effort between the city and housing partners to address homelessness and housing insecurity. Originating from the Metro Homelessness Commission, the initiative aimed to harness the power of public-private partnerships to provide housing solutions for the vulnerable populations in Nashville. Initially modeled after programs from cities like Denver, the initiative has faced challenges in its implementation due to capacity constraints and fragmented services.

According to the May 2022 Nashville Study of Homelessness and Affordable Housing, the Nashville Continuum of Care (CoC) Homeless Planning Council is “not organized for effective governance.” The study highlights several issues, such as “high barriers” to housing, including stringent requirements for sobriety or employment. The council lacks effective housing-first supportive services and state partnerships with the state health, mental health, or housing departments.

Bob Freeman, CPM^®

Bob Freeman, CPM^®, president of Freeman Webb, emphasizes the importance of preventive measures in addressing homelessness. He argues, “The best way to effect change is to decrease expenses. And instead of us cutting services to those that need it, how about investing in services that make the need for those services less?” This perspective advocates for investing in supportive services to reduce the need for emergency interventions, thereby creating a more sustainable solution to housing insecurity.

Freeman further underscores the moral imperative behind the initiative, stating, “One of the key aspects of the Davis Housing Initiative is its emphasis on social responsibility among stakeholders. While there may not be direct financial incentives for housing providers to participate, there exists a moral imperative to contribute to the well-being of the community.” This commitment to social responsibility reflects a broader effort to address the root causes of homelessness and improve residents’ overall quality of life.

Expanding the vision

The Davis Housing Initiative has made notable strides in providing safe and supportive housing options to hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The program emphasizes comprehensive support services to facilitate successful transitions to stable housing. By collaborating with nonprofits and expanding its reach, Freeman Webb aims to ensure that case management and other essential services are accessible.

Nevertheless, the need for a broader, more inclusive approach remains evident. Freeman states, “We’ve got to continue to enlarge the Barnes Housing Fund. That has changed the face of affordable housing. Metro needs to invest and build in more long-term housing.” (The Barnes Housing Trust Fund makes competitive grants to nonprofit housing developers to increase affordable housing options in Nashville.) The challenge of finding affordable housing has led many essential professionals, such as firefighters, police officers, and teachers, to seek housing outside the metro area, creating a disconnect between those who serve the community and those who benefit from it.

Freeman also highlights the issue of “NIMBYism” (not in my backyard) as a significant barrier to increasing housing density and expanding affordable housing options. Overcoming entrenched opposition to zoning reforms and land-use planning requires strong leadership and community engagement. Policymakers must prioritize all the needs of residents rather than just focusing on the financial benefits. “We need to address the stigma and opposition surrounding affordable housing projects,” Freeman asserts, “and work toward a more inclusive approach to development.”

National and local efforts to combat homelessness

The struggle with homelessness is not unique to Nashville. Cities across the U.S. face similar challenges. Addressing these issues requires a targeted approach that focuses on assisting chronically homeless individuals and providing comprehensive services ranging from mental health support to transitional housing.

Nadine Melah

Community Solutions, a national organization, exemplifies a proactive approach to homelessness. Their Built for Zero campaign involves over 140 communities committed to achieving functional zero homelessness. Nadine Melah, a principal for Community Solutions, outlines their mission: “We aim to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring.” This mission reflects a commitment to creating a systemic change in how homelessness is addressed, ensuring that it is not just a temporary fix but a long-term solution.

Community Solutions employs a data-driven strategy to address homelessness. By collecting real-time data on individuals experiencing homelessness, they can tailor interventions and track progress effectively. Their approach also emphasizes equity, ensuring that interventions yield fair outcomes across racial lines. The organization’s Large Cities Housing Fund, a $135 million initiative, acquires existing affordable housing and integrates these units into their homelessness response efforts. This strategic use of real estate assets helps address the housing crisis on multiple fronts.

Melah explains, “Our team works at the intersection of data and real estate. We ensure that once affordable housing units become available, they are offered to individuals on the community’s by-name list, removing nonhousing barriers to entry.” This approach helps remove systemic obstacles that often prevent people from securing stable housing, such as financial barriers and a lack of tenancy history. Community Solutions aims to create a more equitable housing market by addressing these issues.

Safe Haven: A model of trauma-informed care

Safe Haven stands out in Nashville for its dedicated efforts to support homeless families. For 40 years, this nonprofit has provided shelter and a pathway to stability and self-sufficiency. Safe Haven’s mission is “to empower homeless families to achieve safe, stable, and lasting housing through a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.”

Safe Haven’s trauma-informed care model recognizes the profound impact of homelessness on individuals and families. The organization offers various shelter options, including on-site family units and partnerships with local hotels for temporary accommodations. Their “housing-first” model prioritizes securing permanent housing quickly, understanding that stability is crucial for addressing other challenges, such as mental health and employment.

Safe Haven also collaborates closely with the Low Barrier Housing Collective in Nashville to address homelessness through a comprehensive, multifaceted approach. Like Community Solutions, this partnership integrates data-driven strategies with prevention and diversion efforts to enhance support services and expand affordable housing opportunities. Safe Haven works with the collective to engage landlords by offering incentives and helping create a more stable rental environment for needy families. By combining their trauma-informed care model with the collective’s efforts, Safe Haven and its partners aim to reduce eviction risks and provide additional support, contributing to the goal of achieving functional zero homelessness.

Grant Winters

Grant Winters, Safe Haven’s program director, asserts, “Housing is a human right.” This statement reflects the organization’s belief that housing is foundational to building a better life. Safe Haven’s rapid re-housing program provides comprehensive case management services, helping families secure stable housing and navigate the complexities of tenancy. Winters further notes, “Our goal is to remove barriers that prevent families from accessing and maintaining housing, providing them with the support they need to thrive.”

Shifting narratives to build resilient communities 

Addressing homelessness requires a shift in public perception and a recognition of the systemic issues that contribute to it. Advocacy for affordable housing, volunteer efforts, and donations are crucial for supporting organizations like Safe Haven. Moreover, spreading awareness and challenging negative stereotypes can foster a more empathetic understanding of homelessness.

Safe Haven’s approach and the work of organizations like Community Solutions highlight the importance of a collaborative and integrated strategy. By combining data-driven methods, real estate investments, and comprehensive support services, these efforts are setting a benchmark for effective homelessness intervention.

While Nashville’s journey toward affordable housing and decreasing homelessness faces obstacles, initiatives like the Davis Housing Initiative, Community Solutions’ Built for Zero campaign, and Safe Haven’s trauma-informed care offer valuable models. Through continued advocacy, collaboration, and investment in supportive services, Nashville and other cities can build more inclusive communities where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. The fight against homelessness is a collective effort, and each step forward brings us closer to a world where safe and stable housing is a reality for all.

As Nashville continues its efforts to address housing insecurity, the combined work of these initiatives underscores a commitment to creating a more just and equitable society. Each organization’s unique approach contributes to a broader strategy to end homelessness and ensure everyone can secure a stable and fulfilling future.