NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The closure of the Old Tent City homeless encampment in Metro District 19 has been officially announced, with local leaders emphasizing their commitment to providing housing for the approximately 125 residents. Located on Anthes Drive, the encampment has been a focal point of both concern and outreach for several years. Now, with a 60-day timeline for residents to relocate, officials are working to ensure a smooth transition into more permanent housing solutions.
District 19 Metro Councilman Jacob Kupin, who represents the area, has been vocal about his dedication to finding comprehensive solutions for the residents of Old Tent City. He stressed that efforts are in place not only for transitional housing but for permanent solutions that will provide long-term stability for the individuals impacted.
“We’re working to offer housing for everyone, and that’s really the goal,” Kupin said in a recent interview with News 2. “We want to make sure these individuals have safe, long-term housing options.”
The transition is not without its challenges. Kupin pointed out that many of the residents face unique circumstances, including having pets or vehicles that will need to be accounted for during the move. However, he assured that the city’s response is tailored to accommodate these needs, ensuring that the displaced residents are not left without support.
Despite the logistical difficulties, Kupin expressed optimism about the opportunity for residents to secure permanent housing. He noted that some individuals had already managed to find new homes well in advance of the 60-day deadline, highlighting the ongoing efforts of outreach teams working daily to assist those in need.
While the closure of the encampment is an important step, Kupin also acknowledged the emotional and psychological hurdles that some residents face. One individual, who had spent five years living at Old Tent City, shared his apprehension about the disruption to his life and community. Kupin empathized with this sentiment, noting that for some, the prospect of moving into traditional housing can provoke anxiety and feelings of claustrophobia.
“That’s one of the challenges we’re trying to address,” Kupin explained. “Some people are used to living in an RV, or they simply can’t imagine living in an apartment. It’s about finding solutions that work for them.”
The closure of Old Tent City also raises questions about the future use of the land. Kupin mentioned that the site was once earmarked for a park during the administration of former Mayor John Cooper. However, the current plans under Mayor Freddie O’Connell remain unclear. There has been some discussion of repurposing the site into a homeless services center, providing both immediate resources and long-term support services for those still facing housing instability.
“I’ve seen other cities successfully implement similar centers that provide not just shelter, but comprehensive support for individuals who are transitioning out of homelessness,” Kupin noted. “Metro owns a significant amount of land in the area, so there is a real opportunity to create something that could serve as a resource hub for the homeless population.”
Kupin also took time to address the issue of public perception surrounding homelessness. He emphasized the importance of separating housing status from behavior, particularly when addressing complaints about crime in the area. Many people, Kupin explained, mistakenly conflate homelessness with criminal behavior. While criminal activity must certainly be addressed, the primary focus of the city’s efforts is ensuring safe, stable housing for all individuals, regardless of their living situation.
“These folks are part of our community. They pay sales taxes, buy goods, and live in my district,” Kupin added. “As far as I’m concerned, they are constituents, and it’s our responsibility to help them transition to better living conditions.”
In the coming weeks, Kupin and the Metro Office of Homeless Services will continue to work closely with outreach organizations to ensure that all residents of Old Tent City are provided with the necessary resources to make a successful transition. Whether that means securing permanent housing, providing temporary shelter, or addressing specific individual needs, the comprehensive approach aims to provide lasting solutions for Nashville’s homeless population.
For now, the priority remains clear: assisting the residents of Old Tent City as they prepare to close this chapter and move toward a more stable future.
