Metro Nashville Schools report record number of homeless students

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Students are back in the classroom, but when the bell rings at the end of the day, the numbers reveal many students do not have a stable home to return to.

Just three weeks into the 2024-2025 school year, Catherine Knowles, director of special population services for Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), said about 1,400 students are recognized as not having a “fixed, regular and adequate night-time residence.”

Last year, Knowles said a record-breaking number of students — about 4,500, — fell under that umbrella , which is a 27% increase from the year prior.

“With the growth and development in Davidson County, we certainly see a lot of people who are displaced due to a variety of factors,” said Knowles. “Everything from natural disasters to domestic violence and just the overall economy.”

Knowles said the change in Davidson County’s changing landscape and affordability is a major contributor to the rise in numbers. She said many students are “doubled-up”, living with other friends and family because they do not have housing of their own.

“With the housing market, it’s often difficult for people to get back into a place of their own,” said Knowles.

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They also see students who live in a shelters or transitional housing program, motels, campgrounds, cars, abandoned buildings or other locations not normally designed for sleeping.

The MNPS Homeless Education Resource Office (H.E.R.O.) works to provide necessary resources, support and referrals to help homeless students be successful in the classroom and have a positive school experience.

“Homelessness happens to lots of people for a variety of issues and circumstances and we’re just here to support and shepherd people though that walk,” explained Knowles.

H.E.R.O. services offered may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assistance with the school enrollment process and paperwork
• Help with school issues, questions or concerns
• Housing and community resource information
• Obtaining birth certificates, immunization records and school records
• Parent education sessions and workshops
• Referrals for dental, medical and mental health services
• School supplies and backpacks
• Second Harvest food boxes and additional assistance through the HERO Pantry
• School uniforms (where required) and shoes
• Transportation to school and school related events/activities

The Mckinney-Vento Act helps provides these protections for students experiencing homelessness.

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“It really is just an opportunity for all of us in the community to really lean in and provide all the support that we can to families and students that are struggling with housing,” said Knowles.

MNPS families in need of assistance can contact the H.E.R.O. department directly at 629-224-9045 or reach out through your school counselor or social worker .

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