Delivering the right resources at the right time
Our unique and efficient collection and distribution model is made possible through a strong partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) and its Homeless Education Resource Office (HERO) Program. Because of this, we never have to spend time or resources to find students to serve – we are already directly connected with them through the HERO Program or other Metro Schools support staff. This advanced integration of services means most resources are distributed immediately at the school level, offering a discreet and dignified way for students to accept support.
Nashville students are at the center of all of our work, and we’ve created programming specific to their unique needs. Our fulfillment and distribution is driven by HERO team members as well as by school-level liaisons who maintain UniCycle Closets and identify specific family needs straight from the classroom.
What is the HERO Program and Who Qualifies?
Currently MNPS serves about 4,500 qualified HERO students annually. Students may qualify for the HERO program if they lack a “fixed, regular and adequate night-time residence.” More specifically, the program serves students who live temporarily in shelters, “doubled-up” with friends or relatives, in motels, campgrounds or in a space not designed for sleep, such as a car, due to not being able to find or afford housing of their own.
How does the HERO Program support students?
- School supplies, backpacks, basic hygiene items and other critical needs – this support is primarily through Nashville Community Connections
- School clothing, new shoes, socks and underwear – this support is through Nashville Community Connections
- Enrollment assistance
- School transportation to keep students in their original schools, when this is in the best interest of the student – some support from this comes from the Nashville Community Connections Family Fuel Fund
- Emergency food assistance – the HERO Pantry
- Referrals, advocacy and assistance across MNPS departments including school social workers, counselors and others
- Referrals and special programming with community resource providers such as The Office of Homeless Services, Oasis, Metro Social Services and more
- Collaboration with shelters where students live, including the Nashville Rescue Mission, Safe Haven, the YWCA and more
Knowing that we're not in this alone at the school level is so reassuring, not just to us, but to our families. We know that when our students' basic needs are not being met, they are typically unable to learn, even if they do make it to school. The HERO program and support from Nashville Community Connections' programming helps fill some of the gaps when it comes to basic needs to make sure our students feel safe and comfortable enough to learn while they are with us. MNPS's HERO program is about far more than just making sure the educational setting is not disrupted - it's about making sure families and students have the resources they need to succeed, not just survive.
MNPS Social Worker
Our Impact in the Community
For over ten years we have been serving Nashville’s students and their families. In that time we have:
33,000+
Over ten years we have served over 33,000 HERO students – from school clothing and shoes to assistance navigating immediate needs related to housing insecurity. This is in addition to thousands of other students served by in-school UniCycle Closets!
250
School and Community Collection Partners who we work with to keep our shelves stocked.
168,000
Items of clothing that have been distributed to students through the UniCycle Program to date.
Our Programs
Nashville Community Connections programming is at the heart of how we work. It connects the dots to meet real and immediate needs not readily available in our community. Every family is different, and our team and close collaboration with MNPS and the HERO Program allows us to uncover and offer solutions to the specific challenges that each family faces. Together, we get families the resources they need to achieve the stability we all deserve. Discover more and how you can support the various initiatives below!
UniCycle School Clothing Program
HERO Family Fund
HERO Pantry
Family Fuel Fund
Housewarming
Hygiene Essentials
School Supplies
Shoe Connection
How to Help Us Support Students
There are many easy ways you can make sure a child can start their day ready to learn. Click below to learn more.
Donate Funds
Give to the HERO Family Fund where funds can be used thriftily to purchase new underwear and critically-needed items that are running low, so we are always stocked.
Donate Items
Drop off gently used school clothing, shoes, new socks or underwear at one of more than 100 UniCycle collection points throughout Nashville. See the list below to find the best location for you.
Host a Drive
Many of the items we need to support families are easy and fun to collect! Check out our Host a Drive page for ideas and info, but we also love new ideas!