NEWS BRIEFS

Jefferson Street Bridge camp to be cleared

A long-standing encampment located under the Jefferson Street Bridge is set to be cleared out by city officials and MNPD on June 1. A new sign has been put up in the area claiming no trespassing and no encampments on the metro property after June 1, 2021.

A press release from nonprofit homeless service provider and advocacy group Open Table Nashville says that the city plans to move remaining residents to another encampment known as Tent City, where newly announced development plans put that camp’s future in jeopardy.

“At Open Table Nashville, we believe that everyone has a right to safe and dignified housing. It is inhumane to close encampments when there is not enough affordable, accessible housing for those in need. While efforts are being made by service providers to connect residents with housing, it is both cruel and dangerous for Metro to consider moving the remaining residents to another crowded encampment that is also slated for closure,” the statement reads.

Open Table Nashville also shared concern that service providers like The Bridge Ministry, who have been giving resources to people experiencing homelessness there for 20 years, will now be blocked out of the area.

“It is a misuse of public funds to pay for a fence that will prevent Nashville residents from receiving needed services on public land,” the statement reads.

Open Table Nashville suggests offering FEMA-reimbursed hotel vouchers to residents as they wait for housing, creating a Continuum of Care committee to explore the idea of a sanctioned encampment, and investing in housing Photo under Jefferson Street Bridge. Photo Courtesy of Open Table Nashville.

first models, among other ideas, with the money used to clear out the Jefferson Street Encampment.

New fund to incentivize landlords

On May 13, Mayor John Cooper announced the formation of the Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund.

Through this fund, money will be available to landlords who accept federal housing vouchers, like Section 8 vouchers, to cover property damages or rent up to $1,000 above the security deposit for a given unit. The money can be applied for after the tenant moves out or is evicted, but is not meant to prevent eviction.

Deon Trotter with Metro Homeless Impact Division told The Contributor in an email, “We are still working through the details and it’s full setup but from my understanding it is once the client has moved out and have exhausted the deposits and any insurance deductibles. As we move through this, I do believe there will be future opportunity to assist to prevent eviction for certain damages, but I don’t think we are at that point now.”

According to the manual accompanying the fund, it is meant to “focus on landlord recruitment effort for permanent supportive housing and rapid re-housing opportunities utilizing traditional apartments.”

This fund combines existing federal housing dollars with a donation from The Frist Foundation through United Way of Greater Nashville. In the press release announcing its formation, the fund is described as “designed to get more Nashville families and neighbors into homes.” "Community challenges demand community solutions, and Nashville's affordable housing needs are urgent." Cooper said. "The Landlord Mitigation Fund is another tool we can use as we create a Nashville that works for everyone."

The city hopes this could convince more landlords like Waddell Wright, CEO of W. Wright Companies, to take on tenants getting housing through government vouchers. "My experience has been great — it's always been a purpose of mine to create strong viable and sustainable communities," Wright said in a press release. "We can't forget that we, as property developers, shelter humans, all humans."

Mayor’s budget to put $10M toward affordable housing grants

Mayor John Cooper announced the city would put $10 million in affordable housing dollars toward creating 335 affordable housing units and preserving another 90.

“We know Nashville’s affordable housing needs are urgent, and we know solving this problem requires an allhands-on-deck approach,” Cooper said in a release.

These grants, which were bolstered by a $250,000 private-public partnership with the Regions Foundation, will go to the following organizations and projects:

Affordable Housing Resources will complete the Lanier Park Townhomes, located near Neelys Bend Road in Madison, for 31 first-time home buyers and seniors looking to downsize.

Be A Helping Hand Foundation will develop two four-bedroom rental units for women and children.

Habitat for Humanity will get funds to support a new development near Brick Church Pike in North Nashville, which will provide homes for 32 families.

Mending Hearts, Inc. will provide transitional living and wraparound services for eight women in the community.

Samaritan Recovery Community will create 195 new units in a mixed-income community on South Fourth Street and Shelby Avenue.

Urban Housing Solutions is slated to redevelop Mercury Courts on Murfreesboro Pike into a mixed-income, transit-oriented community anchor and spur additional redevelopment there.

Woodbine Community Organization will build 67 new units for local neighbors on 40th Ave. N. in West Nashville and Elysian Fields Road in South Nashville.