2026 Point-In-Time Count Frequently Asked Questions

These responses provide context for the certified 2026 Point-in-Time Count.

People counted: 2,298

Percentage of people counted in safe indoor shelters: 71.5%

Why did homelessness increase despite increased public investment?

The PIT Count increased by 118 people, or 5.4%, from 2025. Nashville also expanded shelter access, strengthened overnight outreach and identified people in locations that had not previously been fully incorporated into the count. OHS and its partners are using the more complete data to target housing, outreach and supportive-service resources where they are most needed.

Is Nashville's homelessness strategy working?

The PIT Count provides a one-night measure of the number of people experiencing homelessness. Nashville's broader system data also captures people who have moved into housing during the year. Nashville's strategy remains focused on connecting people to housing while strengthening shelter, outreach and supportive services.

How much of the increase resulted from better counting?

Expanded emergency-department outreach, additional shelter capacity and broader overnight engagement allowed the community to identify people more completely. The certified results reflect both the level of homelessness that night and Nashville's improved ability to identify people experiencing it.

Did the cold-weather shelter inflate the sheltered count?

Metro's Cold Weather Plan helped more people access a safer indoor location on the night of the count. Everyone included met HUD's eligibility requirements. The sheltered total accurately reflects people who were experiencing homelessness and staying in qualifying emergency shelter or transitional housing that night.

Why was emergency shelter under 100% utilization?

Emergency Shelter utilization was at 76%. Each shelter bed is designated for the population, program and conditions it is designed to serve. Client choice, household composition, eligibility, referral processes, weather activation, accessibility requirements, pets and individual service needs all affect whether a particular placement is utilized. OHS and its partners continue working to expand low-barrier options and connect people with settings that meet their needs.

Are people coming to Nashville from other cities because services are available here?

Among surveyed unsheltered respondents, 85% reported that their last permanent address was in Middle Tennessee. The data show that homelessness is predominantly affecting people with regional connections. OHS remains focused on helping each eligible person identified in Davidson County connect with services and pathways to housing.

Why are so many people still unsheltered?

The count identified 655 unsheltered people. The data show that many face complex housing barriers: 73% of surveyed respondents reported a disabling condition, and 46% were experiencing chronic homelessness. Homelessness is at the intersection of many complex systems. OHS and community partners conduct ongoing outreach and connect people with shelter, health care, recovery programs, supportive services and housing opportunities tailored to those needs.

What is OHS doing about encampments and people sleeping on streets or sidewalks?

Outreach teams regularly engage people in encampments, on streets and sidewalks, in vehicles and in other locations throughout Davidson County. That work is housing-focused and includes identifying individual needs, connecting people with service providers and supportive resources, and developing pathways to safer indoor placements and permanent housing.

What should the public conclude from this year's results?

The results show continued and significant housing need, a more comprehensive counting process and a community response that is actively sheltering and housing people. Nearly three-fourths of the people counted were indoors that night. OHS will use the findings to strengthen outreach, supportive services, shelter access and pathways to permanent housing.

How will Metro use the increased FY27 budget to strengthen Nashville's homelessness response system?

Metro will use the increased FY27 investment to strengthen every level of Nashville's homelessness response. Nearly two-thirds (65.7%) will support nonprofit partners providing housing and supportive services. Another 30.6% will strengthen OHS infrastructure for system coordination, staffing, data, contracting and accountability. Emergency services (3.3%) will support urgent, safety-focused response, while community training (0.4%) will help partners and residents identify needs and connect people to resources. Together, these investments pair direct assistance with the capacity needed to improve coordination, expand housing pathways and achieve stronger outcomes.