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A resolution urging the Mayor's Office, the Metro Health Department, Metro Homeless Impact Division, and Metro Social Services to evaluate housing pods purchased with COVID-19 Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) grant funds and create an action plan for their use.
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WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council has accepted an Epidemiology & Laboratory Capacity ("ELC") grant from the Tennessee Department of Health, pursuant to Resolution No. RS2020-508; and
WHEREAS, the ELC grant is used to prepared for, respond to, and recover from COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the State of Tennessee has procured housing pods as a capital purchase for housing outside of COVID sheltering, an allowable use under ELC grant guidance; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that the pods cost $1.2M; and
WHEREAS, some pods were allocated to the Nashville Rescue Mission, while the remaining pods were put into storage and never used; and
WHEREAS, Davidson County residents have questions as to why the pods have not been widely used to shelter homeless Nashvillians; and
WHEREAS, on February 3, 2023, the Metro Health Department received guidance from the Tennessee Department of Health that using the pods for sheltering outside of COVID-19 recovery could be allowable under the ELC grant since funding was specifically earmarked for the homeless population; and
WHEREAS, if used for shelter, Metro Nashville would need to ensure that COVID-19 guidelines set for shelters/congregate living facilities are followed; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metro Council request that housing pods purchased with ELC grant funds be evaluated and a plan be developed to use the housing pods, rather than have them remain in storage, considering their cost and the demonstrated community need.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as requesting that representatives f...
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