NEWS

Head of Metro Homeless Impact Division resigns from post

BY HANNAH HERNER

On Oct. 19, Judith Tackett sent a letter signifying her resignation from her position as director of Metro Homeless Impact Division.

Tackett had served in this role for four years, having started as communications coordinator for the organization back in 2009.

She pleads with readers that “the affordable housing and homelessness conversation needs to be one conversation,” and creating more low-income, and low-barrier housing is key — including even refurbishing hotels and existing units. She also said that Nashville needs to work on leadership around homelessness, but the community needs to decide how to improve it.

The letter shares her accomplishments, which included creating a unified governance structure, which she achieved in creating the Homeless Planning Council, which serves as a governance board for the collective of homeless service providers in Nashville, the Continuum of Care. Tackett was also able to bump the CoC funding from $3.1 million to $6.1 million.

She also laid the groundwork for stronger data entry in the Homeless Management Information System, a relationship with Nashville Rescue Mission, and a three-year strategic plan for the city.

“It is important to me to highlight the big picture goals. But let’s not forget other achievements that you, Nashville, have reached.” she wrote. “Yes, a lot of criticism is bombarding you from all sides, but please, do not get distracted from the loud voices. Stay the course. Housing ends homelessness. We need all types of effective programs within a Housing Crisis Resolution System, and we need a leadership structure that does not shy away from longterm solutions.”

Tackett said the number one driving force for her work was those who lost their lives on the streets.

“I have tried to fight for you with all my being. I can only hope that I was able to make a small impact while I was in this position. You have a voice and it has been extremely important to me to highlight your voice and help make you heard,” she wrote.

She closed her letter by saying she’d be “taking a little breather” while determining her next steps.

On the heels of Tackett’s resignation, homeless advocacy group Open Table Nashville released a statement praising the “highly trusted, endlessly dedicated, strategic, compassionate, and innovative leader,” and calling for change in the structure in Metro government. They are pushing for a new department or division of housing and homelessness that is separate from Metro Social Services, where it is housed now. This was one of Mayor John Cooper’s campaign promises, the release added.

“The status-quo response to Judy’s resignation would be for Metro leaders to simply rehire for her position. But if this happens, our city is missing a crucial opportunity — an opportunity to give a cutting-edge team the independence and resources they need to pioneer solutions and partnerships that will not only work, but will impact the lives of countless Nashvillians who are struggling to obtain and maintain affordable housing,” the release reads.