Local charity organizations stretched thin as demand for their resources increases

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The Homeless Management Information System says the amount of people experiencing homelessness in Nashville has gone up significantly since this time last year.

Ahead of the holiday season, some charity organizations are stretched thin as the demand for their resources increases.

Sam Siple said he started as a volunteer for the Nashville Rescue Mission.

“People are people regardless of their circumstances and I think everyone wants to feel the joy of Christmas time,” Siple said.

But Siple said different things can get in the way of that.

Now, as the vice president of development and marketing, Siple says this time of year can be tough due to the holiday season and cooler temperatures.

“Actually, we’re over capacity at our women’s and children’s campus but our staff is doing what they can to accommodate to make sure that anybody that comes to our doors, we’re able to provide for.”

Siple says in the last year the number of mothers they served has increased by 46% and the number of children they serve has increased by 76%.

The Nashville Rescue Mission can help people experiencing homelessness with shelter, food and clothing.

“We’re actually at an all-time high in the number of guests we have staying at the mission each night.”

Siple said they don’t want to turn anyone away and that they stretch their resources.

“Our heating goes up, as folks are coming into the warmth out of the cold, we want to make sure we’re providing blankets, pillows and those basic needs hats gloves boots,” Siple said.

He says that’s one of their most critical needs.

It forces them to get creative but he said their mission always gets done.

“It is a growing challenge, but God provides...People will come to the mission this time of year one it’s getting colder but two they are looking for perhaps a little holiday spirit. They know not only are those basic needs going to be met (food clothing and shelter) but that they’re also going to be cared for.”

If you’re interested in donating or volunteering more information can be found here.

Copyright 2024 WSMV. All rights reserved.