Service Coordination
One reason people become homeless is because they have no support system. Urban Housing Solutions created a support system through our team of service coordinators. They help our residents connect to government and non-profit service providers; obtain adequate food, clothing, and household goods; manage physical and mental illnesses; maintain their housing; and resolve conflicts.
Health Matters
When someone has been poor or without a home for an extended period of time, their access to healthy foods and regular medical care is limited. Our full-time health advocate helps our residents to find medical homes, learn more about their chronic medical conditions, sign up for indigent care and prescription assistance programs, and practice healthier habits. Physician assistant students from Trevecca Nazarene University work with Health Matters to teach funny and informative workshops about everything from dry skin to diabetes. The program also offers semiannual health fairs with partners like the Metro Health Department, Trevecca Nazarene University, United Neighborhood Health Services, and the Mental Health Cooperative. This program is largely funded through a grant from the Baptist Healing Trust.
Transportation
Many of us take reliable transportation for granted. Our residents, however, know all too well the impact a lack of transportation has on their lives. That's why we have free shuttle service at some of our properties for people who need to visit the doctor, get to work, go grocery shopping, or apply for benefits.
If you would like to support our shuttle service through a donation, please call Brandi at (615) 726-2696, ext. 114. Each year, the service costs about $38,000. Expenses include the driver's salary, gas, repairs and maintenance on the van, and vehicle insurance.
Welcome Wagon
When you’re homeless, you often only own what you can carry in a backpack. To help our new, formerly homeless residents make a smooth transition from the streets to a comfortable home, we provide welcome baskets of essential household items. Visiting the Welcome Wagon Room with their service coordinator, residents receive supplies such as hygiene items, blankets, pillows, cookware and dinnerware, cleaning supplies, and laundry baskets. Looking for a great volunteer opportunity? We would love for you to coordinate a Welcome Wagon drive! Just call Brandi at 726-2696, ext. 114 for more information.
Life University
True change involves more than just monetary gain; it is a maturing of the whole individual. Life University is a curriculum designed for and by our residents. Class offerings range from Cooking for One to World Religions to Commercial Cleaning. Residents who attend the weekly classes may earn a completion certificate. We hope to have the curriculum recognized by area employers wishing to hire our residents.
Learn to Earn
When our residents are able to contribute their own talents and efforts in exchange for something they want, it not only promotes employability but also builds confidence and community. Learn to Earn lets residents volunteer their time in exchange for Learn to Earn Points. These points can then be exchanged in the Learn to Earn Store for items such as cookware, rugs, clothing, electronics, and trinkets. Residents volunteer in all types of ways to earn points, from writing thank you letters to helping a fellow resident move.
Emergency Assistance
Though we try to help our residents avoid emergency situations, at times they are unavoidable. We have a Resident Assistance Fund set up for residents to take out small loans to cover the costs of medical and dental co-pays, prescriptions, utility bills, bus passes, and other needs. These loans are repaid interest-free.