Statements
Mission
Inspired by the love and words of Jesus, we share Love and Dignity with the unhoused & most vulnerable of Nashville by bringing Relief, Community, Connection, and Restoration.
Background
People Loving Nashville was established in 2008 when a group of friends shared several hot meals with some homeless individuals on a cold Thanksgiving night. The experience changed something in them, and they continued to bring supper downtown once a month. Once a month soon turned into a weekly tradition. From a two-burner stove in a bachelor pad to a commercially outfitted kitchen, PLN has continued to grow and expand, learning and maturing along the way, all in front of the backdrop of community.
Our skilled staff and trained volunteers seek to bring relief by means of food, drink, clothing and emergency supplies. We do this consistently and form relationships where trust and dignity are paramount. Once trust is established we work to build bridges to evidence-based pathways to sustainable hope, healing, and restoration. Whether it be walking with our neighbors into food and housing security or assisting in finding mental health, physical health or substance use resources, we lean into creativity to continually shine hope. We are inspired by the words of Jesus, and find great inspiration in biblical guidance. We weekly provide 800+ meals, prepare clothing and supplies for distribution, and provide emergency responses to serve some of the most vulnerable of our city in public spaces, low-income apartment complexes, encampments, and more.
Our Organization has three Programs - Street, Homefullness, & Restoration.
Street Program- Meeting basic and direct needs on the streets at numerous gatherings around the city through out the week.
Homefullness Program- Our trained outreach team walks with individuals from homelessness to hopefulness through a proven process.
Restoration Program- Once house keys are attained we work to bring grief and trauma healing, healthy community structure, life skills and low barrier employment through our social enterprise Paradiesos Coffee
Impact
2022 IMPACT
- We Launched our Restoration Program
- We directly supported 38 individuals into housing.
- Within our 428 outreaches during 2022, we had over 33,000 touchpoints with the unhoused and most vulnerable of Nashville.
- We provided over 50,000 meals
- We provided over 25,000 units of clothing.
2023 GOALS
- Serve 5 in our newly launched Restoration Program
- Support 40 individuals into housing
- Provide over 500 connections to resources
- Provide 50,000 meals
- Distribute 30,000 units of emergency supplies
Needs
Street program costs: $342,067.00. Street relief team, emergency supplies, emergency meals and clothing, multiple weekly gatherings
Community Enrichment costs: $116,000.00. Training, retreats, enrichment and investment into over 2200 volunteers per year in meeting the communal and physical needs of the unhoused
Homefullness program costs: $294,000.00. Case workers navigating: documentation support, food insecurity, physical health, mental health, spiritual health, substance use and housing navigation
Restoration program costs: $147,000.00 Program team, mental health support, life skills development, low barrier employment opportunities.
General additional assistance:
Rent assistance costs,
CEO Statement
The wave of growth here at PLN has been a wild ride, to say the least. We have had the honor to walk with many through hard times. We have seen some of the most resilient of our city rise up and meet their individual challenges through pandemic and natural disaster.
Over the past decade, we have noticed something we continually see the opportunity for. A positive, healthy community for those who live on the streets. As is the case for anyone, a lack of positive community impacts decisions and lives. Through our different outreaches and ministries, we come to offer spaces of peace, relief, and rich relationships. Where trust is built, we can begin the work of meeting the needs of those in deep need. Hope can be found at our gatherings.
With the continuation of our Homefullness Program, we are committed to directly addressing the housing needs of our friends in encampments and providing uncomplicated pathways to housing and sustainability. We realize the size of this undertaking, which is why we are teaming up with key partners in our city while leaning into the incredible resources this town can offer. Through this process we are also filling the gaps we see, utilizing our strengths and skills to creatively address the complexities of poverty. With patience, adaptability, ingenuity, and God-given power in each of us, we will continue to participate in the healing and restoration of Nashville's poor.
Seeing what this past few years has done to our own Nashville community, I am reminded of how close a lot of Americans are to the bottom falling out. I am blessed and fortunate to have loved ones who would not allow my family anywhere near the trouble I've witnessed. I have seen countless individuals lacking the safety net I often take for granted. A positive, consistent community combined with stable housing and personalized resources gives our friends a fighting chance. Now, more than ever, we're ready and equipped to climb their mountains with them.
Matthew 25 was our guide when we started, and it serves to remind us where community can start. Over a meal, with something refreshing to drink and some clean clothes. While we've grown and evolved over the years, we've found our foundation to be solid and reassuring. We've come to bring light, hope, and dignity to the minds, bodies, and souls of our beloved city. Our intention is to stay close to that which is dear to Jesus, and so we invite you to join us on this journey, and unpredictable ride that will change your life from within.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Human Services - Homeless Services/Centers |
| Secondary Category: | Food, Agriculture & Nutrition - Food Programs |
| Tertiary Category: | Housing, Shelter - Low-Income & Subsidized Rental Housing |
Areas Served
Downtown Nashville
East Nashville
Donelson
Madison
Hermitage
| TN - Davidson |
