News Briefs

Nashville Homeless Connect launches pilot program

On Dec. 15, new nonprofit Nashville Homeless Connect launched its 90-day pilot program that will provide free rides to those who need them. Through March 15, 2021 two 16-passenger wheelchair accessible vans will travel along a fixed route of 19 stops from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. every day. Organizations and individuals can reserve spots, though it’s not a requirement, by calling (615)991-1190 or visiting nashvillehomelessconnect.org.

The stops are as follows:

1. Centerstone @ Metro Center

2. Downtown Clinic

3. Greyhound Bus Station Nashville

4. Howard Office Building Nashville

5. Jefferson St. Bridge/2nd Ave Underpass

6. Municipal Auditorium

7. Nashville Metropolitan Courthouse

8. Nashville MTA Music City Central

9. Nashville Rescue Mission

10. Nashville VA Medical Center

11. Operation Stand Down Nashville

12. Rescue Mission Women’s Shelter

13. Room In the End Nashville

14. Salvation Army @ Dickerson Road

15. Second Harvest Food Bank of

Middle TN

16. Social Security Office @ Metro Center

17. The Contributor

18. The Fairgrounds Nashville

19. Kroger 8th Ave & Walmart/Powell Ave

TN data shows families with children are struggling through the pandemic

Tennessee has shown improvement in access to health care, but is falling short on economic security and mental health, a report says.

A 50-state report of recent household data called Kids, Families and COVID-19: Pandemic Pain Points and a Roadmap for Recovery was developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth also released The State of The Child 2020: COVID-19 Edition, which took a deep dive into the state-level data, Tennessee’s response to the pandemic, and how to support child well-being moving forward.

More than half of households with children in Tennessee have lost income since March 13, 2020. The Hispanic community in Tennessee has been disproportionately impacted with 69 percent of households reporting income loss. Nearly one in four households with children reported being likely or very likely to face eviction or foreclosure within the next two months. Similarly, 23 percent reported having little or no confidence in paying their November rent or mortgage payment on time.

At the end of the summer over half (56 percent) of Tennessee’s young adults ages 18- 24 reported feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge most days and 42 percent reported feeling down, depressed or helpless. These were the second-highest percentages in the nation during that time period for both indicators.

“Tennessee’s children have faced remarkable challenges throughout this pandemic. It is our responsibility to ensure they are prioritized and supported throughout our recovery efforts,” said Richard Kennedy, executive director of Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, Tennessee’s member of the KIDS COUNT network.