We’re super excited for our friends in Nashville as they begin the planning process to end youth homelessness in their city! We were in town this week for the very first meeting to kick off the process, and we’d like to fill you in a bit…
The day began with a kickoff meeting and the room was packed! People from all sectors and professional backgrounds were in attendance – including community stakeholders, funders, service providers, young people, and Mayor Barry herself!
The afternoon was dedicated to a steering committee meeting to get a little more in-depth about the planning process, which will take place over the next four months. This process, which is being co-led by Oasis Center and the Metropolitan Homeless Commission, will allow Nashville to identify specific goals and outcomes for the initiative. The cross-sector steering committee is made up of representatives from city government, local libraries, service provider agencies, law enforcement, and the local school system. This first steering committee meeting was marked by a theme of innovation, as much of the conversation was focused around how technology and out-of-the-box thinking can get youth the vital services they need.
We’ll be sure to keep you updated as Nashville’s plan comes together! For now, check out some of the local news coverage about the kick off.