Nashville Struggles with Homelessness as Old Tent City Faces Demolition Threat

Nashville Faces Housing Challenges Amid Tent City Concerns

Nashville, Tenn. – In a city known for its music and vibrant culture, an urgent issue is stealing the spotlight: homelessness. As numerous individuals call a makeshift community known as Old Tent City their home, city officials are grappling with the best way to address safety concerns while considering the needs of those living there.

A Glimpse into Old Tent City

Deep in the woods, off the Cumberland River, roughly 160 people have made this area their makeshift home. For many, like William, who has created a shelter from plywood, this site has been a refuge for the past three years. He brings attention to a pressing issue faced by many in the encampment, stating, “People can’t live in tents in cold weather. It’s freezing out here, and it’s hard to heat a tent every day when you’re homeless.”

As temperatures drop, William and his neighbors have been vocal about their needs. This group has recently signed a petition asking the city for a 90-day pause on the planned demolition of their existing structures. This demolition was expected to begin today, but the city’s mayor, Freddie O’Connell, is currently deliberating on whether or not to grant this request.

Concerns Behind the Demolition

The city has cited safety issues as the primary reason for wanting to clear out Old Tent City. Issues include “unsafe structures” and the illegitimate use of power from nearby sources. In the eyes of the city, these conditions present significant hazards. As Donny, another resident of the tent city, pointed out, “They haven’t done anything with this since the 80s. Why now? We’re not bothering anybody. We pretty much stay to ourselves.”

While city officials have pledged $50 million towards tackling homelessness and have promised resources for camps throughout Nashville, many believe there’s been little to no action taken on the issues surrounding Old Tent City. Determining the best solution remains a daunting task, as lack of available permanent housing is one of the key obstacles at hand.

The Housing Pods Stuck in Limbo

Adding another layer to the issue are 108 pallet housing pods that have been left unused since 2021. Initially costing over $1.2 million in federal funds, these pods were created with the intention of providing quick shelter solutions. However, they have failed to meet code standards, leaving them in storage. Mayor O’Connell recently discussed this on Friday, responding to questions about why they hadn’t been deployed yet: “The reason has had to do with state approval for those. The city has wanted to get these into implementation.”

Despite the setbacks, there appears to be a glimmer of hope. O’Connell mentioned, “We got an update this week that we may finally be able to use all those pods, and I’ll put them into practice as soon as we have authorization.” This news gives hope to both city officials and the residents of Old Tent City.

The Road Ahead

As Nashville grapples with these pressing issues, the atmosphere remains tense but hopeful. Residents are participating in discussions and petitions, advocating for their rights and needs, while city leaders are exploring avenues to provide relief. How Nashville will proceed from here remains to be seen, but for the individuals living in Old Tent City, time is of the essence. The clock is ticking on both sides, and the city’s decisions will make a significant impact on the lives of those who are simply trying to survive.