Extreme Heat Response and Patrols

Below is a list of resources offered to our unhoused neighbors during extreme heat. This information is the most current. It is subject to changes and updates throughout the summer. (Last Updated: June 29, 2026)

Office of Homeless Services

Services: The Office of Homeless Services (OHS) coordinates with the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) during extreme heat conditions. When a heat response is activated, OHS will conduct city-wide canvassing and heat patrols from 8AM-12PM by providing:

1. Cool Rides
2. Water Distribution
3. Insect Repellant
4. Sunscreen
5. Service Provider Coordination
6. Scheduled Encampment Support

Cooling Shelters

The Salvation Army

• Outreach Food Services:
  • Mondays at Walmart on Dickerson Pike 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
  • Thursdays at First Nazarene Church 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Heat Patrols: The Salvation Army will conduct daily heat patrols on extreme heat days.

Room in The Inn

Room In The Inn's Hope U Day Center adjusts services based on daily temperatures and National Weather Service heat advisories. Decisions are made each morning by 7:00 a.m.

• Hours and Services: Room in The Inn (705 Drexel Street) is open Monday-Friday from 6 a.m.2 p.m. and serves lunch. Lunch tickets are given out at 10:15 a.m. Gatorade and Ice pops available to encourage folks to come inside and cool off.
• Getting there: Number 8 bus
• Other Services: Showers are available from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Showers begin at 6 a.m.

Level 2 Heat Response (90°F–98°F)

When temperatures reach 90°F or higher, Hope U provides additional heat relief resources, including:

• Water and electrolyte drinks available throughout the day
• Sunscreen and insect repellent available at the support desk
• Expanded hydration efforts to help guests stay safe during extreme temperatures

Level 3 Extreme Heat Response (98°F+ or National Weather Service Heat Advisory)

During periods of extreme heat, Hope U expands services to provide additional cooling and hydration support, including:

• Day center access during lunch hours with indoor meal service
• Extended café seating with cold beverages available
• Frozen treats provided as guests leave for the day
• Bottled water distributed when available
• Access to seasonal items such as flip-flops, washcloths, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing
• Additional outreach efforts to provide water to individuals remaining outdoors

These enhanced services are designed to help individuals experiencing homelessness stay safe, hydrated, and connected to resources during periods of dangerous heat.

Nashville Rescue Mission

• Hours and Services: Nashville Rescue Mission is a full-service emergency shelter open 365 days a year / 24 hours a day; offering 3 meals a day, full case management, beds, clothing, showers, respite from the heat and other services.
  Day services and overnight shelter are available for men, women, and families with children. Please call for any questions @ 615-255-2475.
• Getting there: Number 52B bus, 639 Lafayette (Men's Misson) and 1716 Rosa Parks (Women and Children's Mission)
• Pets: Service animals are welcome.

Community Care Fellowship

• Hours and Services: Community Care Fellowship will be open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and serves lunch. Snacks available.
• Getting there: Number 4 bus 511 South 8th Street
• Other Services: Showers and Laundry are available.

Nashville Public Libraries

21 locations across the city. Hours and addresses can be found on the Nashville Public Library website. All locations have air conditioning, restrooms, and drinking fountains, as well as computers and power outlets for charging phones and other devices. The main library has outreach opportunities including Coordinated Entry access with OHS staff.

Heat Patrols Teams

The organizations listed below have outreach heat patrols visiting encampments and delivering water. People Loving Nashville and The Salvation Army will mobilize to various locations based on community needs.

West

East and Downtown

South

Madison

North Nashville

Shower the People

Offers Mobile Showers and Outreach at the various locations across Nashville. Please go to their website for more information,

• Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Trinity Community Commons
• Thursdays, 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. at Belmont Church
• Every Other Saturday, Tennessee Justice Center