Conservative estimates tell us that more than 3500 people experienced homelessness in Rutherford County in 2021. Rutherford County is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, bordering a major city. With 20 people moving to Rutherford County daily, all aspects of the population are increasing including the homeless population. Additionally, the lack of affordability through rentals and home ownership has caused many to lose their foothold in the housing market leading to an increase in homelessness for individuals and families. Families with children made up more than a quarter of those people.

The causes of homelessness are complex and many. Childhood trauma, family dysfunction, abuse, neglect, violence, mental illness, addiction, chronic physical ailments, social dysfunction, poor educational achievement, as well as family and social needs like lack of transportation, childcare and opportunity, and deficiencies and breakdowns in community systems and policies, all contribute. The cluster of issues for a given individual or family tends to be unique and interconnected.

The financial burden on our community is heavy. Homeless individuals consume public resources like ambulance, hospital, and police service. The emotional toll and personal frustration for community members is also heavy. Even worse is the devastating toll on those experiencing homelessness— untreated mental and physical illness, trauma, addiction, exclusion, isolation, exploitation, violence, and even loss of life. The lion’s share of the suffering is hidden, particularly the desperate struggles of homeless families with children. The moral cost for our community is heavy as well, as we witness the continuing suffering of those who are most vulnerable.

Together, we can reduce homelessness to the point of functionally eliminating it as a community problem. Relocating The Journey Home’s Resource Center will provide adequate space for expansion of the on-site resources required. This new 23,000 square foot facility will expand current stabilization services, including coaching, housing coordination, healthcare, mental health services, and add space for employment services, group meetings and teaching. This facility will also include ten units of short-term family housing addressing a vital gap in our county resources.

Homeless families with children make up more than a quarter of our homeless population, and our county has virtually no short-term housing resources to give them safety as a bridge to stable housing. Additionally, clients can receive multiple services in one place, and staff and case coaches can have increased communication. The capital campaign goal of $5.5 million will fully fund the facility with these programs. We have purchased the land, are permit ready, and have raised $1.5 million of our goal.

Your support of The Journey Home’s long-term success will also be an investment in your community. Our growth will lead to positive outcomes for families and individuals while breaking the cycle of homelessness.

Your caring gift will help change the trajectory for disadvantaged children, families and individuals, help restore a person’s faith, give them hope, and change the lives of people for generations to come.

A 23,000 sq. ft. facility with 10 short-term family units along with mental and physical health supports will help the vulnerable and disadvantaged begin to stabilize and reconnect with their community.

Total Square Footage – 23,400 square feet

Number of Floors – 2
   First Floor: Initial Buildout (15,900 sq. ft.);
   Second Floor: Future Expansion (7,500 sq. ft.)

Amenities
   Expanded Program Services Area
   Community Cafe’ – Seating for 50
   Expanded Commercial Kitchen
   Conference/Training Center
   Program and Administrative Offices
   Wellness Center – Mental and Medical Health
   Chapel
   The Market – Personal Necessities
   Four Shower Stalls
   Secure Storage Lockers
   Energy Efficient Building
   Adequate Parking
Short Term Family Housing
   Ten Units – Each Family Unit is 300 sq. ft.
   Restroom, One Full-Size Bed, Twin Bunk Bed,
   Desk, and Microwave.
Group Family Dining Space

Land: The Journey Home owns the 1.4 acres of undeveloped land where the project will be constructed. The property is one mile from the existing facility.

Breaking the Cycle of Generational Homelessness

A child’s chance of healthy development declines with each traumatic event that they experience during their developmental years. The trauma can involve homelessness, divorce, the death of a parent, a parent being incarcerated, physical or mental abuse, scarcity, and many other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

 Research has shown that when a child experiences three or more of these traumatic events during their childhood, they are less likely to graduate from high school, pursue a higher education, raise a healthy family, and are more likely to become dependent on public systems for housing, emergency care, healthcare, help with disabilities and many other services.

However, if people are rehoused within the first three months of becoming homeless, the long-term effects are minimized, and their need for resources is significantly reduced while also relieving the taxpayer’s burden. Once a family becomes rehoused, they can receive services consistently, leading to greater outcomes and stability for the family.