Help Nashville's homeless youth find safe shelter and stay off the streets
Nashville's skyline may be booming, but for many young people, the view is far less hopeful.
Behind the bright lights and rapid development, many struggle to find stability, facing challenges that often go unnoticed by the rest of the city.
Without support systems in place, circumstances like family rejection, the loss of foster care assistance, or financial hardship can leave them with no place to turn.
As a result, many end up without secure housing, facing overwhelming odds – from exposure to violence to severe mental health struggles.
According to Nashville's Office of Homeless Services, 10,874 individuals experienced homelessness in Nashville over the past 12 months, nearly 1,000 of whom were between the ages of 18 and 24.
LGBTQ+ youth and those exiting foster care are particularly vulnerable, often lacking affirming housing or family support. Without secure shelter, these young people face heightened risks of violence, mental health challenges, and long-term instability.
Addressing youth homelessness is a community-wide challenge, made more urgent by recent policy changes.
In 2024, the Supreme Court's ruling in Grants Pass v. Johnson upheld the right of cities to penalize individuals for sleeping in public spaces, further endangering those without stable housing.
In Tennessee, the Equal Access to Public Property Act of 2012 already made sleeping or camping on state-owned property a class E felony – punishable by up to six years in prison and a $3,000 fine.
In 2022, legislators extended this law to all public property. By criminalizing survival on the streets, these measures force the unhoused – especially vulnerable youth – into hidden or unsafe situations, increasing their risk of violence, exploitation, and chronic homelessness.
While city resources and traditional adult shelters are not always equipped to meet the unique needs of youth, local initiatives are stepping in to help.
One such effort is LAUNCH PAD, a volunteer-driven organization, providing emergency shelter and transitional housing for young adults.
Established in 2014, LAUNCH PAD has worked on creating a safe, inclusive environment filling critical gaps in support services for youth at risk of being overlooked.
Executive Director H.G. Stovall and his team at LAUNCH PAD offer three core programs tailored to different levels of need. Its Emergency Shelter runs from November through March, providing meals, overnight accommodations, and hygiene facilities.
The Mobile Housing Navigation Center supported by Metro funding offers short-term stays coupled with help connecting to long-term housing options and case management. Finally, the Independent-Supported Living Program ensures a more stable environment where young adults can focus on employment, education, and eventually securing permanent housing.
Yet even with these resources, the demand for youth-specific housing and support continues to outpace supply.
A lasting solution must go beyond a bed for the night and address broader needs like education, employment, and mental health care. Without a comprehensive approach to solving youth homelessness, cities like Nashville will likely be unable to get a handle on chronic homelessness long term.
Volunteer: Whether you're assisting at shelters or mentoring youth as they transition into stability, every hour of your time makes a difference.
Donate: Financial contributions and essential supplies—such as clothing, toiletries, and nonperishable food—help sustain organizations that serve unhoused youth.
Advocate: Reach out to local officials and attend public meetings to push for policy changes and increased funding for youth-focused services. Support initiatives that expand affordable housing and mental health resources in your community.
Youth homelessness is about more than just finding a bed for the night; it's about ensuring all young people have a pathway to stability and success. By investing in youth, Nashville invests in its future – and that begins with making sure no young person is left without a safe place to call home.
Authors: Austin Hilvert, MD/MBA Student, Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Zachary Scharlau, MBA Student, Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management. Melissa Ortiz-Feliciano, MBA Student, Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management. Ananya Sarkar, MBA Student, Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Homelessness in Nashville affects young people harshly | Opinion
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