Nashville, Tennessee – The Hermitage homeless encampment is set to close by the end of the month, signaling a significant move in addressing public safety concerns in the area. This decision is a response to repeated calls and emails from local residents and businesses urging city officials to address the situation.
One of the camp’s residents, Brie H., has lived there for the past two years and shared her experiences. Brie’s story is one of hardship, mirroring the struggles faced by many in the encampment, including addiction, loss of custody of children, and vulnerability to human trafficking. “It’s been really hard because there’s like a few bad apples who make it hard for everybody, so like we’re not all bad,” she explained, shedding light on the complex dynamics within the camp.
The Office of Homeless Services, supported by volunteers, is gearing up to clear and close the camp. This effort is part of Nashville’s larger initiative, which has seen an investment of $50 million towards temporary housing, critical wraparound services, easing rent restrictions, and providing permanent supportive housing. About 30 residents of the encampment, who have been informed about the transition through letters, are now hopeful for a new start. Brie expressed her initial skepticism but now feels optimistic, saying, “I still didn’t believe it because I was on a housing list two years ago. So, it was like, okay, it’s probably not going to happen, but now that they’re actually coming into the camp and they’re talking to us like we know we’re going to get our housing soon.”
Brittany McCann, a Hermitage resident for over 40 years and an advocate for community cleanup, welcomed the news. She pointed out the decline in conditions during the summer, with trash accumulating on streets and a rise in accidents involving encampment residents. McCann emphasized, “Housing is the best solution to homelessness. What solves homelessness is housing. And we have that available due to the federal grant that we have, and it’s finally being put to use.”
Council member Jordan Huffman, representing Hermitage, commented on the closure as a positive development for the community. Acknowledging the encampment’s contribution to public safety issues, Huffman is hopeful that the 35 individuals receiving housing will have a renewed opportunity in life. “Closing this camp is a step in the right direction for the community, but we have a long way to go in our efforts to combat homelessness in Metro Nashville,” Huffman stated.
This initiative follows the city’s previous efforts to rehouse unhoused individuals from the T-A truck stop. With the closure of the Hermitage encampment, around 170 residents from outdoor communities will be rehoused, marking a significant step in Nashville’s commitment to support its vulnerable citizens.
