The official Point-in-Time Count and Housing Inventory Count for Nashville/Davidson County (TN-504) took place overnight on Thursday, January 23, 2025, into the early hours of Friday, January 24. The Nashville Rescue Mission's Men's Campus served as the Staging Area and Command Center, where approximately 120 volunteers gathered, collected supplies, and deployed to assigned areas. Participants included the Office of Homeless Services, Mayor Freddie O'Connell, Metro Nashville Police Department, Metro Public Health Department, Metro Council, Homelessness Planning Council, General Session Court and numerous nonprofit organizations and community volunteers. "While conducting the PIT count one of our teams identified a deceased individual. The details are unknown at this time. MNPD was called to the scene and the investigation is ongoing. This is an unfortunate situation, and my heart goes out to all those who were impacted," April Calvin said.
2025 Point-in-Time Count Methodology
The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is an annual census of people experiencing homelessness required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for all communities receiving federal funding to address homelessness. Conducted on a single night, the count provides critical data for service planning, resource allocation, and federal reporting. In Nashville-Davidson County, a complete census approach was used, deploying approximately 20 teams to ensure comprehensive coverage. "The point-in-time count is a data exercise, but it has a lofty purpose, helping us dedicate our resources and tailor our work toward the most vulnerable in our community. Taking part in the count is voluntary, and each year the snapshot in time of the experience of homelessness in our community looks a little different," Mayor O'Connell said. "This year, due to the cold temperatures, we were able to reach hundreds of people seeking refuge in our emergency shelters. I appreciate the work of the many volunteers who conduct the count and know that the work they do helps enable federal funding for projects like Strobel House, our first permanent supportive housing, where people who once were counted in the PIT are now stably housed."
Enhanced Data Collection Efforts
The Office of Homeless Services utilized Hyperion; a mobile app specifically designed for conducting PIT Counts. This app includes location data to improve supportive services connection, functions independent of cellular service and minimizes human error through real-time digital tracking. Volunteers were trained to use the app to collect survey data, which will be used exclusively for outreach, service provision, and data analysis. Privacy and security protocols outlined in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Policies and Procedures Manual were strictly followed.
Methodology Highlights
- Unsheltered Count: Volunteer teams canvassed designated regions throughout the night.
- Sheltered Count: The HMIS team collaborated with local shelters to gather data on individuals staying in shelters during the count.
- Survey Enhancements: The 2025 survey included HUD-mandated questions, along with additional questions about agency engagement and willingness to accept housing or treatment if pet accommodations were unavailable.
The results of the PIT Count will undergo HUD verification before being publicly released, a process that ensures accuracy and transparency.
Volunteer Recruitment and Roles
Volunteers were recruited through a Volunteer Interest Survey shared at the CoC General Membership meeting and via the CoC listserv. The PIT Count subcommittee collaborated with organizations, the Consumer Advisory Board, and the Youth Action Board to engage individuals with lived experience in volunteering, canvassing, and strategy input.
Volunteer Breakdown
- 20+ Team Leads
- 90+ Team Members
- 10 Supplies Volunteers
- 2 Medical Volunteers
- 2 Transportation Volunteers
Volunteers participated in training sessions to prepare for the count, including using the Hyperion app and administering Narcan. Team Leads received additional specialized training in December 2024.
Support and Supplies at the PIT Count Kickoff
At the Kickoff Event, volunteers received supplies and training on topics such as hypothermia awareness and street outreach approaches. Community partners generously contributed:
- Nashville Rescue Mission: Warm weather supplies and use of their space as the kickoff venue and command center.
- Second Harvest: Non-perishable meal kits.
- Shower the People: Hygiene kits and socks.
- Tennessee State Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist (ROPS) Program: Narcan Kits
As the Collaborative Applicant, the Office of Homeless Services provided Dollar General gift cards and bus passes to further support the effort.
HUD FY 2024 CoC Funding Report: Nashville Receives Increased Support
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded Nashville $11,846,313 through the FY 2024 Continuum of Care (CoC) program, marking a $2,151,047 increase from FY 2023. This funding reflects Nashville's commitment to addressing homelessness through a Housing First Model and recognizes the efforts of community partners.
The increase highlights the importance of the Point-in-Time Count, which informs funding decisions and guides strategic resource allocation to better serve people experiencing homelessness. This funding will allow Nashville to expand services, prioritize housing, and strengthen collaborative efforts to end homelessness.
This year's PIT Count and increased CoC funding represent meaningful steps forward in Nashville's mission to address homelessness. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate community.
CoC Funding Summary (Past 10 years)
| Funding Year | Total CoC Award |
|---|---|
| FY 2024 | $11,846,313 |
| FY 2023 | $9,695,266 |
| FY 2022 | $7,831,201 |
| FY 2021 | $7,051,438 |
| FY 2020 | $6,115,465 |
| FY 2019 | $3,925,354 |
| FY 2018 | $3,594,038 |
| FY 2017 | $3,210,260 |
| FY 2016 | $3,234,117 |
| FY 2015 | $3,233,243 |
| FY 2014 | $3,479,196 |
This year's PIT Count and increased CoC funding represent meaningful steps forward in Nashville's mission to address homelessness. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate community.