NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — With severe weather expected in parts of our area, some Middle Tennessee officials are concerned about the safety of the unhoused population.

The Office of Homeless Services (OHS) is set to partner with community shelter programs to help protect those who are unhoused during severe storms late Wednesday night and into early Thursday morning.

OHS is providing “on-demand” shelter service to the Nashville rescue mission located at 639 Lafayette Street. The shuttles will run from 9 p.m. Wednesday until through 6 a.m. Thursday.

Unlike typical shelter nights, a standard shuttle route will not be offered. Those interested will need to request a pickup.

As inclement weather moves through the area, this can cause issues for those who live in encampments.

“In the encampments itself, you may have individuals who may not have a tent. The trees may be their tent; the leaves may be their tent. What can we do to relieve that and get them out of that situation?” said Joseph Parker, the outreach specialist manager with OHS.

Staff with OHS said they’re happy they can be a resource during severe weather events.

“There’s people out there getting extremely wet and these conditions can cause pneumonia and other sicknesses, so it’s just important that we’re there,” said Parker.

If you are in need of a ride to the shelter, you can call the dispatch number 615-844-3399 to request a pickup.