Our Work in Middle Tennessee and Beyond
Shelter Equity has been serving the Greater Nashville Area since 1994, originally as Community Housing Partnership. Over the years, we’ve partnered with local governments, nonprofits, and community groups to create safe, affordable housing for families who need it most. In 2024, we became Shelter Equity, a name that better reflects our growing mission of building stability and equity through housing.
A central part of our work is the development and stewardship of a growing affordable rental housing portfolio. What began with just a handful of rehabilitated homes has expanded into dozens of properties that serve low- to moderate-income families, seniors, and adults with disabilities. These homes are more than units — they are places of stability, dignity, and opportunity that strengthen the entire community.
Through local partnerships, we also own and maintain 10 group homes that provide specialized housing for some of our community’s most vulnerable neighbors. These include homes for Oak Cottage for Women (supporting women transitioning out of prison), 21st Recovery Court (drug recovery), and Waves, Inc. (adults with disabilities). These group homes remain a cornerstone of Shelter Equity’s service to Williamson County and continue to provide critical, life-changing support.
As part of our history, Shelter Equity has also served as the Collaborative Applicant for the Continuum of Care (CoC), bringing in federal and state resources to help address homelessness across Tennessee. In partnership with the United Way, the City of Franklin, and USDA, we have facilitated emergency housing services for homeless individuals and families as well as emergency home repairs for seniors and adults with disabilities, ensuring that more of our neighbors can remain safe and secure in their homes.
Looking ahead, our newest development — The Lofts at Carothers Parkway in Franklin, Tennessee — is underway. Scheduled to open in 2026, The Lofts will expand our rental housing portfolio with a community designed specifically for seniors and adults with disabilities, helping meet a pressing need in the Greater Nashville Area.
For more than 30 years, Shelter Equity has remained committed to ensuring that safe, stable, and affordable housing is within reach for the people of Middle Tennessee — and to expanding that impact in the years to come.
Current Local Initiatives
In the U.S., our work is focused on creating housing solutions that provide safety, stability, and opportunity for those who need it most. From new developments to affordable rental programs, we’re addressing the housing crisis head-on and giving communities the foundation they need to thrive. Learn more about our ongoing efforts below.
United States
The Need
Shortage of 7.1 million rental homes that are affordable
The U.S. faces a shortage of approximately 7.1 million rental homes that are affordable and available for extremely low-income renters—a group earning below the poverty line or under 30% of their area median income. This leaves just 35 affordable and available rental units for every 100 households in need.
1
National Low Income Housing Coalition
46 million Americans live with water insecurity
Around 46 million Americans live with water insecurity, meaning they lack reliable access to safe drinking water or indoor plumbing—and estimates suggest nearly 2 million households still don't have running water or a working toilet at home.
2
Fast Company
11.1 % Official poverty rate
In the U.S., 36.8 million people are living below the poverty line.
3
U.S. Census Bureau, World Bank
653,000 Americans Experiencing Homelessness
On any given night, more than 653,000 people in the United States experience homelessness—the highest number ever recorded. Families, veterans, and individuals alike are living without a safe place to call home, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable housing solutions.
4
2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report
The Lofts
A transformative initiative aimed at addressing the critical need for affordable housing in our community. This project will involve the conversion of an existing assisted living facility into modern, accessible studio & 1 Bedroom apartments designed specifically to serve the elderly (age 55+) and adults with special needs.
(Franklin, TN)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
