NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — As Nashville finalizes its budget for the upcoming fiscal year, one Metro Council member is raising red flags about the future of funding for the city’s homeless services, especially once federal COVID relief dollars run out.
During a recent budget hearing, Councilmember Courtney Johnston voiced concern over the Office of Homeless Services’ (OHS) reliance on one-time American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds to support critical staffing and housing programs.
Johnston pointed specifically to $2 million in operating costs for permanent supportive housing, along with funding for 18 full-time OHS staff members, that are being covered using temporary federal relief money…