
We make it easy and impactful to support students in Nashville
Because of our efficient operational structure, our partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools and the Homeless Education Resource Office, and the generosity of our donors and partners, we have expanded our programs from one to eight! What started as a simple school uniform recycling initiative has grown to have so much impact. We know how important wraparound services can be for families in times of need, and work to quickly understand and support students and families with the right items at the right time. Get to know our programs and how you can be part of supporting a child’s ability to thrive.
UniCycle School
Clothing Program
“Outgrown, not worn out” is the motto of our flagship school clothing program that collects clothing at over 100 collection sites and distributes them to children ages 3-18 who are experiencing unstable housing or otherwise in need of a hand. Through this program we distribute clothing, coats, socks, underwear, and more so children feel comfortable and confident in school and can focus on learning.
HERO Family Fund
Launched in 2023, the HERO Family Fund is a general fund specifically for Metro Nashville Public School HERO students and their families. The fund gives our team the freedom and flexibility to provide basic, critical needs to families immediately. The fund is used for items that are integral to a student or family’s progress, but are not readily available through other community resources.
HERO Pantry
We stock and send just-right grocery items to HERO families each month through our emergency food program. Each delivery comes with a connection to additional longer-term food support, specific to a family’s circumstances.
Family Fuel Fund
We believe an empty gas tank shouldn’t be the reason a child misses school or an extracurricular activity. Our Family Fuel Fund provides emergency gas cards so children and families can keep moving to all the places they need to go – school, work, medical appointments and more.
HERO Housewarming
Program
Getting the keys to stable housing is life-changing. Our Housewarming Program gets home essentials like towels, sheets, plates, cups, and even the occasional furniture items to HERO students and their families as they get a fresh start. These items help children have a strong start to the day at home, before they leave for school.
Shoe Connection
Through partnerships with Soles4Souls’ 4EveryKid program, locally-owned Fleet Feet and community drives, we distribute brand-name new shoes and high-quality gently-used shoes to students. We work closely with school support staff in a delivery and try-on process that allows for returns if sizes or styles aren’t quite right so students can feel confident stepping into the classroom.
Hygiene Essentials Program
Essentials like toothpaste, soap, menstrual products, hair care, and other hygiene basics are critical to keeping children healthy. Through our partnership with the Community Resource Center, we remove the stress children experience when they lack these products, so they can focus on their education and social relationships.

HERO School
Supplies Program
A key part of feeling prepared for school is walking into the classroom with a backpack and some basic supplies. The HERO Program supplies basics and we partner with PENCIL to secure much of what we need, but backpack-packing events and extra school supply drives help to fill in gaps and are a great way to host a service project.
How we work
We serve all Davidson County students, and have a partnership with the Metro Nashville Public Schools Homeless Education Resource Office (HERO) to serve qualified HERO students and their families, providing resources families need to persevere during transitional situations. Learn more about our operations and how we are able to deliver the right resources at the right time.