Nashville Welcomes a New Haven for Foster Children
Nashville, Tennessee, is buzzing with excitement as the community celebrates the opening of the Isaiah 1:17 House, a heartwarming addition that promises to offer much-needed support for foster children. This brand-new facility has opened its doors for children to find a temporary place to call home, providing not only shelter but also an array of resources for kids and their families.
A Refuge and Support System
Lead pastor Matt Smallbone of the Downtown Nashville Church of the City describes the house as more than just a building; he calls it a refuge. This opening comes at a critical time, as a recent audit conducted in December 2022 revealed a troubling situation: over 200 children in Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services (DCS) custody were reportedly sleeping on office floors due to a significant lack of beds. This highlights an urgent need for safe and nurturing spaces.
Meeting a Growing Demand
With the aim of addressing this pressing issue, the founders of the Isaiah 1:17 House have launched their first location in Davidson County after recognizing the severe need. “What if there was a home that, instead of going to the office, they could come to a home?” pondered Corey Paulson, the Founder and Development Director. It seems that vision has now become a reality, providing the community with another resource.
A Warm Welcome
Jessica Biggs, the Davidson County Location Leader, shared the mission behind the house’s creation: “We want to give them the room to just be them.” It’s no secret that foster care situations can be incredibly difficult, and this new house aims to create an environment where children can feel safe and valued.
Alarming Statistics
In 2023 alone, there were over 925 young people in foster care just in Davidson County. Sadly, there are currently only 74 DCS foster homes with available spots and 91 contract foster homes with openings. This makes the role of the Isaiah 1:17 House even more vital. By adding this new resource to the mix, it provides additional options for children and families in need.
A Focus on Healing
The house features cozy two bedrooms and a playground that aims to support foster children in healing from the trauma they may have experienced. Everything about the space has been planned with great care, from the colors on the walls to the cheerful messages displayed in the artwork. “It is all about intentionality,” says Paulson. “We want to send the message to kids: Listen, this is for you.”
Gifts that Matter
When children arrive, they are greeted warmly with new clothes, shoes, toys, a backpack, and a blanket—items they can proudly call their own. Paulson emphasized the importance of this, noting, “A tag on a new piece of clothing given to a child is literally life-changing for kids.” Many of these young individuals have never had new items to cherish, making this gesture extremely powerful.
Support for Caregivers
Moreover, the Isaiah 1:17 House isn’t just beneficial for the kids; it also creates a functional workspace for DCS workers and a smoother transition for foster families. All in all, it’s a place built on compassion and care, showcasing Nashville’s dedication to its most vulnerable community members.
Looking Ahead
As the first guests are expected to arrive as early as Thursday morning, the community has its hopes high for what this safe haven can accomplish. The opening of the Isaiah 1:17 House marks an important step not only in providing shelter but in promoting healing and a sense of belonging for foster children. With this new initiative, Nashville demonstrates a collective commitment to supporting its youth, ensuring they know they are loved, valued, and never alone.
