Our Local State of Housing

Before the pandemic, I could move a family from homelessness into housing in 8 to 10 weeks with less than $2,000. COVID changed everything, and recent data from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency paints a bleak picture: 2,807 low-income households in our community are competing for just 1,901 affordable housing units. This mismatch is forcing families to pay 40% or even 50% of their income on housing, leaving no room for emergencies or savings—and this is why we have a homeless problem.

Tennessee Housing Development Agency Data

But there's hope. Local organizations, civic leaders, and businesses are meeting regularly to explore solutions, from preserving our current affordable housing stock to investigating land trusts and even 3D-printed homes. It will take our entire community working together to overcome this challenge. I'm all ears—do you have an idea?

Tennessee Housing Development Agency Data