
Reimagine the Church Property
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Problem
In 2024, Nashville saw a 43% increase in the number of people experiencing chronic homelessness.
In January 2025, 248 families were experiencing homelessness in Nashville. These families were part of a total of 3,270 people experiencing homelessness
Only 9% of Nashville neighborhoods are considered affordable for families making $100,000 a year.
For Black and Hispanic families, affordable homes are available in fewer than 1% of neighborhoods.
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Opportunity
Housing ends homelessness,
and churches can build housing.Across 1,027 colleges and universities, faith-based institutions, and health care institutions in Metro Nashville, up to 5,539 units could be constructed on 986 parcels under current land availability and zoning laws.
95 percent of these potential units (5,236 units) are developable on parcels owned by faith-based and academic institutions.
Subdividing available institution-owned parcels that are zoned for single-family residential uses could accommodate up to 14,151 new units, 10,183 of which could come from land owned by faith-based institutions.
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Vision
Redevelop the former Trinity UMC property to include space to
Live
22 units of permanent supportive housing for families exiting homelessnessWork
in a Community Garden and Kitchen to produce healthy meals with and for our neighborsGather
over shared meals, markets, and more, so that we can restore a sense of connection and belonging.
Resources
Report: Promoting Affordable Housing Partnerships in Nashville:
Opportunities for Faith-Based, Academic, and Health Care Institutions by the Urban InstituteHousing Resource Guides for Faith-Based Institutions
by ThinkTNHousing & Infrastructure Study
by Nashville PlanningRethinking the Church Building
by TWK’s Faith & Innovation