Metro Social Services is continuing to monitor the weather in preparation of the anticipated winter weather system. Executive Director Renée Pratt has deployed various teams within the department to anticipate and respond to critical needs for vulnerable clients. Additionally, she has been in communication with Chief William Swann of the Office of Emergency Management. Constant communication and coordination between Dir. Pratt, MSS leadership, and OEM will continue through the weather system. Below is a breakdown of MSS’ response in preparation to the storm and what is expected over the weekend.
Precautions Taken Prior to the Snow System
Regular & Snow Meal Delivery
This service is specifically for our homebound clients in congregate settings and private residences. Clients include seniors and those who are disabled.
710 – meals delivered by our Home Ambassadors to our current clients as part of our regular weekly meal deliveries.
31 - Snow Meal boxes (supplemental food) were also delivered this week to current clients to carry them through the snow event, should the snow impact their access to food. The boxes can last up to one week. Food included does not require electricity to open or prepare.
All of our clients received Snow Meals beginning in November so they can hold them should a winter weather system hit. This week, we delivered additional to clients who stated they ate from their box ahead of the storm.
Supplemental Food Supply
Food provided to the general public.
In continuation of our initiative “Hunger No More Nashville”, a direct response to Nashville’s food insecurity, we facilitated two smaller Food Pop Ups Thursday. We moved them up to Jan.22 in anticipation of the storm, ensuring vulnerable residents had food to carry them through the weather system
- North (37208 area) – 300 boxes
- South (Coleman Park Community Center) - 250 boxes
Senior Welfare Calls: Level 2
This service is available to all of our senior and disabled clients – homebound and not.
321 - Calls were conducted by our Social Worker Associates, checking on our senior and disabled clients. In addition to their general wellbeing, as part of the Level 2 status, staff asked weather specific questions such as: “Do you need us to get your prescriptions refilled before the storm?” “Is your heating system working properly?” If they had a need, staff was dispatched to immediately to address their need.
Welfare Visits (in-home)
9 – Social Workers went to the homes of some of their more critical clients to personally assess their needs and ensure they have all they need to be safe during the weather system. This face-to-face time is also important so clients can know that someone is there to support them and that they are not alone.
Urgent Home Visits / Service Call
This service is available to all of our clients, including homebound, should they have an urgent need.
1 – client was in need of a walker, food, and a ramp. We deployed staff members to address these needs
Weekend
We will continue to monitor the weather. Our response will remain fluid and evolve based on the weather impact.
Communication with OEM
MSS’ Executive Director Renée Pratt has been in close communication with Chief Swann, head of Nashville’s Office of Emergency Management, monitoring the weather event. Additionally, Director Pratt has directed MSS department leadership to monitor the weather and follow our usual protocol of working closely with staff and other departments to ensure the safety of Nashville residents.
