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Murfreesboro has launched an important initiative called the "Better Way to Give" campaign. Announced just recently, this campaign encourages residents to refrain from giving money directly to homeless individuals on the street. Instead, the city urges support through local charities by scanning QR codes posted around the downtown square, which link to organizations providing sustainable assistance such as food, shelter, medical care, and job services. This approach aims to connect those in need with resources that can help them rebuild their lives while addressing public safety concerns that have arisen from panhandling at intersections and commercial areas.
Homelessness in Rutherford County, including Murfreesboro, has been increasing due to several intertwined factors. A major contributor is the lack of affordable housing; rapid population growth has driven up rental prices, making it difficult for low-income families and individuals to secure stable housing. Additionally, mental health challenges and substance abuse issues play a significant role, often complicating efforts to maintain employment and housing stability. Trauma and domestic violence further contribute to the growing homeless population. These root causes are complex and interconnected, requiring comprehensive solutions to effectively address and reduce homelessness.
Safety concerns associated with panhandling are a significant reason behind the new initiative. Panhandling at busy intersections can create hazardous situations for drivers and pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Business owners downtown have voiced concerns about the impact of increased homelessness, noting that aggressive panhandling, loud behavior, and occasional violence can make customers feel unsafe and deter shopping. Legally, solicitation from vehicles and obstructing traffic are prohibited by Murfreesboro city codes, specifically under Section 21-5.3, which aims to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow. The city’s efforts are focused not only on safety but also on law enforcement, with patrols increasing around the downtown area to build relationships and connect homeless individuals with vital services. If interested, you can review Murfreesboro City Code, Section 21-5.3 Unlawful Solicitations.
A Few Rutherford Co Community Partners
The city of Murfreesboro offers numerous resources to assist those experiencing homelessness. Organizations such as The Journey Home, The Salvation Army, and Stepping Stones Safe Haven provide emergency shelter, transitional housing, food assistance, healthcare, and support with job placement and housing navigation. The Murfreesboro Cold Patrol and the Homeless Outreach Support Team (H.O.S.T.) work directly in outreach, offering shelter referrals, medical aid, and behavioral health services. These efforts are designed to provide immediate relief while fostering pathways toward stability and independence. Community members are encouraged to support these organizations, which are better equipped to address the root causes of homelessness and help individuals transition toward self-sufficiency. https://www.rutherfordthrives.org/partner
Ultimately, Murfreesboro’s initiative reflects a compassionate and proactive approach to a complex problem. By encouraging residents to support local charities and directing homeless individuals to appropriate resources, the city aims to create a safer, healthier environment for everyone. The goal is to foster a community where those experiencing homelessness can access the help they need, whether through housing, mental health services, or employment support, thus improving safety and quality of life for all residents and business owners. Through these collective efforts, Murfreesboro is striving to build a community marked by compassion, safety, and opportunity.
Additional Resources:
Rutherford County Site Resources
Shelters/Housing
Coldest Nights (in-person for intake times)
- Crisis shelter program for adults when outdoor exposure to cold temperatures is a threat
- Men: First Baptist Church- 200 E Main St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
- Women: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church- 116 N Academy St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
- Operating hours depend on weather, updates on Murfreesboro Cold Patrol Facebook
Murfreesboro Cold Patrol
- Ending homelessness through outreach, advocacy, and resource support
- 615.434.2653
- 800 Park Ave., Murfreesboro, TN 37129
- https://www.murfreesborocoldpatrol.com/
Stepping Stones Safe Haven
- Assists single women and women with children battling homelessness
- 615.900.4427
- 720 Old Salem Rd, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
- Day Shelter
- 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Night Shelter
- Filled through CoC Coordinated Entry System
- https://steppingstonestn.org/
The Journey Home (Murfreesboro & N. Rutherford)
- A Christian Outreach serving the homeless and disadvantaged
- 615.809.2644
- 308 W Castle St, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
- Monday-Friday 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
- https://lovegodservepeople.org/
The Salvation Army
- Fighting poverty and preventing homelessness
- 615.895.7071
- 1137 W Main St, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
- Monday-Thursday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Friday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
- https://www.salvationarmymurfreesboro.org/about-us
Find local nonprofits and service providers:
Rutherford Thrives (TN-510) Continuum of Care, employs a range of services and housing options designed to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness at different stages of their journey toward stable housing and self-sufficiency. Collaboration among government agencies, nonprofit organizations, service providers and other community stakeholders is essential to the success of CoC efforts.
View this link to local partnering organizations.
Additional nonprofit directories:
- Giving Matters Directory – Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
- 211 | United Way of South Central Tennessee
Need help?
Dial 2-1-1 to be connected to resources
Blog Sources:
CITY OF MURFREESBORO
WKRN
United Way
Fox 17
