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A resolution urging the Mayor’s Office, the Metro Health Department, Office of Homeless Services, Metro Social Services, and the Metro Codes Department 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, at a June 6, 2023 meeting with the State of Tennessee Fire Marshal’s Office it was determined that if a licensed engineer would certify that the pods meet Metro’s current code standards, then Metro may use these pods for temporary housing initiatives; and
WHEREAS, if used for shelter, Metro Nashville would need to ensure that COVID-19 guidelines set for shelters/congregate living facilities are followed, the shelters are placed at least 10 feet apart, and that the shelters could be secured; 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 from the Mayor’s Office, the Metro Health Department, Office of Homeless Services, Metro Social Services, and the Metro Codes Department evaluate the housing pods purchased with COVID-19 Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity grant funds and create an action plan to activate the housing pods for sheltering the homeless population in Davidson County.
Section 2. That the recommended action plan be shared with the Homelessness Planning Council and the Metro Council no later than October 17, 2023.
Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.