Homeless Services

This program is responsible for coordinating Metro Public Health Department's services to homeless persons. The program provides services at two fixed locations -- the Downtown Clinic at 526 8th Avenue South and the adjacent Campus for Human Development. In addition, a mobile medical van has started operating in various outreach locations. A sliding scale of charges is used as in other clinics; however, there is generally no net charge for the services.

Services provided at the Downtown Clinic include primary medical care, mental health services, outpatient substance abuse treatment, and oral health services. Services provided at the Campus for Human Development include day shelter, hygiene facilities, referrals, social services, and respite care. The Campus is a non –profit agency that partners with Metro to assist the homeless.

At the Downtown Clinic, two Nurse Practitioners and a half-time physician provide medical services, and a dentist is available every day. A psychiatrist is on-site three afternoons each week.

The Downtown Clinic’s substance abuse treatment program is an approximately 12 week program consisting of 20 or more hours of counseling per week; it includes shelter and education at the Campus for Human Development (for men). A women’s outpatient program is available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Referrals for residential substance abuse services are also available following a screening and assessment by a counselor. Homeless persons seeking substance abuse treatment should call the Downtown Clinic for an assessment.

By using a 12 passenger van and bus tickets when needed, transportation is available for homeless persons who have a medical or social service appointment at another location. A social worker also conducts limited street outreach in the downtown area of Nashville.