As the federal Covid-19 public health emergency declaration expires today, Metro Social Services is releasing data on services provided at the Covid-19 shelter during the pandemic declaration.
During the height of the pandemic beginning in March 2020, Metro Social Services in conjunction with the Nashville Office of Emergency Management, Metro Public Health Department, with an overflow site managed by the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, provided a safe haven for our unhoused neighbors to receive medical support and additional services to navigate the national health crisis.
The primary Covid-19 shelter for our unhoused residents was provided at the Nashville Fairgrounds from March 2020 to July 2022. As Covid numbers declined and fewer people needed isolation and sheltering, Metro Social Services became the sole overseer of the pandemic sheltering which was relocated to the MSS’ Brick Church Pike shelter location. During the emergency sheltering, MSS staff members, trained for a health crisis, deployed life-saving measures for six people who experienced an overdose.
Of note, the elite coordination between Metro departments, coupled with the shelter and services provided over the course of three years, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognized MSS’ shelter plan as a “Best Practice” and adopted it as a recommendation for other municipalities.
“When our residents are in need, we step in and ensure they are safe and well taken care of. This was a crisis unlike many of us have experienced and our Metro departments illustrated exemplary harmony and skill in navigating our vulnerable citizens through a traumatic time,” said Renee Pratt, executive director of Metro Social Services. “Our Social Services staff is proficient, compassionate and went the extra mile every day, working long hours to help save lives. I’m unbelievably proud of our city and our department.”
Quick Stats
Nashville Fairgrounds Shelter (March 2020 – July 2022)
- Meals provided: 135,526
- People Provided Case Management: 437
- People Placed in Housing: 76
- People Sheltered: 1,313
- People Provided with Clothing Assistance: 537
- Rides Provided: 3,100
- People Signed up for Food Stamps: 68
- People Assisted with Securing Social Security Cards: 40
- People Provided Employment Assistance: 52
Brick Church Pike Shelter (July 2022 - April 2023)
- Number of residents: 160
- Meals Provided: 4,800
- Snacks Provided (2x Daily): 3,200
- Residents Provided Case Management: 7
- Residents Provided Clothing Assistance: 160
- Ebt phone Assistance: 7