Volunteers Needed for Temporary Homeless Shelters

On Wednesday, volunteer organization Hands On Nashville called for volunteers to help Metro officials set up and operate a temporary homeless shelter, as the city seeks to provide beds and food to people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The shelter will be the second temporary facility at the Fairgrounds Nashville. The first one, which Metro established last week, is an overflow shelter to accommodate people who are not ill, according to Joseph Pleasant of the Office of Emergency Management. The second will be for people who were tested for COVID-19 but are awaiting their test results. Metro is planning to open third site for people who have tested positive, but isn't ready to reveal that location.

Pleasant says the cost to operate these facilities will be offset thanks to the help of volunteers and community partners.

In its initial call for volunteers, Hands On Nashville asked for 10 people who could help set up the facility. Throughout the rest of April, there will be various shifts available for roles like greeting guests, providing customer service, delivering food and beverages, and doing supply runs.

Hands On Nashville adds that "training and orientation, as well as personal protective equipment when appropriate, will be provided on site."

The nonprofit coordinates volunteer efforts throughout the city, and had been especially active in organizing a response to the aftermath of the March 3 tornado that ripped through Nashville.

Pleasant says other partners in the shelter effort include Second Harvest Food Bank, Metro Social Services and St. Thomas Hospital.

As the Scene previously reported, private shelters and day centers in Nashville have been preparing for the pandemic by allowing more space for guests, carrying out frequent deep cleanings of their facilities and providing enough sanitation supplies.