Nashville's main shelter system and how to reach it
Nashville's primary shelter for people experiencing homelessness is Room in the Inn, a network of overnight facilities run by a coalition of churches and nonprofits. Room in the Inn operates year-round, with expanded capacity during winter months. The organization does not require advance booking — you show up at the intake location, and staff determine bed availability that night.
To reach Room in the Inn, call 615-248-1247 or go to their intake office at 1114 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37213. Intake happens daily in the late afternoon, usually between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Staff will ask basic questions about your situation and any when ready medical or safety concerns, then assign you to a shelter location if beds are open.
If Room in the Inn is full, staff will tell you that day and may refer you to other options. During winter, the city opens additional warming centers, and staff can direct you to those locations. The shelter system does not turn people away entirely — there is always a referral path, though it may not be the facility you prefer.
Key Takeaways
- Room in the Inn is Nashville's main shelter and takes walk-ins daily at their intake office on James Robertson Parkway, with no advance booking required.
- Intake happens in the late afternoon most days, and you will be asked basic questions about your situation before bed assignment.
- You do not need identification, proof of income, or prior shelter experience to stay at Room in the Inn.
- If the main shelter is full, staff will refer you to alternative shelter or warming center locations rather than turning you away.
- Winter months bring expanded capacity and additional warming centers throughout Nashville.
What you need to bring and what you do not
Room in the Inn does not require identification, proof of address, or documentation of income. You do not need to have been referred by a social worker or case manager. You straightforward need to show up at intake and be willing to follow basic shelter rules — no weapons, no alcohol or drugs on the premises, and respect for other residents and staff.
Bring any medications you take regularly, as the shelter has medical staff on site who can help manage them. If you have a service animal, bring documentation of that status. Personal belongings are stored securely, though the shelter recommends not bringing large amounts of cash or expensive items. You can bring a small bag of clothing and toiletries.
If you have a pet that is not a service animal, tell staff at intake. Room in the Inn works with local animal rescue organizations to temporarily house pets while you stay in shelter, so you will not have to leave your animal on the street. This process takes a few hours to arrange, so arrive early if you have a pet.
What happens after you check in
On your first night, you will be assigned a bed at one of Room in the Inn's partner locations — usually a church, community center, or nonprofit facility. Dinner is provided, along with breakfast the next morning. Staff will ask if you need medical attention or have any urgent concerns.
Room in the Inn operates on a nightly basis, meaning you check in each evening and check out each morning. This is not permanent housing — it is overnight shelter. Each day you can return to intake and request a bed for that night if space is available. During winter, beds are more reliably available; during summer, availability tightens.
While you are staying in shelter, you can work with Room in the Inn's case management team to explore longer-term options. Staff can connect you with mental health services, substance use treatment, job training programs, and permanent housing resources. Case management is optional — you can stay in shelter without engaging with these services — but many residents find it helpful for planning next steps.
Other shelter and emergency housing options in Nashville
Beyond Room in the Inn, Nashville has several other shelter programs for specific populations. The Contributor operates a shelter specifically for people experiencing homelessness who are working or in job training; it prioritizes residents who are actively seeking employment. Siloam Health runs a shelter for people with serious mental illness and offers on-site psychiatric care.
Conexión Américas provides shelter and services for unaccompanied immigrant youth and families. Scarlet Hope operates a residential program for women and children, with a focus on those exiting trafficking or domestic violence situations. Each of these programs has its own intake process and may be able to access framework, though most do not require advance booking.
During winter months, the city of Nashville opens warming centers at various community centers and libraries. These are not overnight shelters — they are daytime and evening spaces where you can stay warm, access bathrooms and water, and sometimes get a meal. Warming centers operate when temperatures drop below freezing and close when weather improves. Call 311 or Room in the Inn to find the nearest warming center on any given night.
How to reach 211 for shelter referrals
If you are unsure which shelter fits your situation, call 211 from any phone. This is a free referral line that connects you to social services in Nashville and Davidson County. Staff will ask basic questions about your situation — whether you have children, pets, medical needs, or other circumstances — and will tell you which shelter programs might be the best fit.
211 operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can tell you which shelters have beds available that night, which ones are currently closed, and how to reach each one. If you do not have a phone, you can use a phone at a library, community center, or police station to call 211. Many libraries and community centers also have computers where you can look up shelter information online.
211 does not book beds for you — they provide information and referrals. You still need to go to the shelter intake location yourself. But 211 can save you time by telling you which shelters are actually open and taking new residents that day.
Shelter rules and what to expect day-to-day
Room in the Inn and most other Nashville shelters operate under similar basic rules: no weapons, no alcohol or drugs on premises, and respectful behavior toward staff and other residents. Curfew is typically 9 p.m. or 10 p.m., and you must be out by 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. the next morning. Quiet hours are enforced in sleeping areas.
Shelters provide a bed, a meal or two, and access to bathrooms and showers. Most have laundry facilities. Medical staff are on site or on call. If you have a chronic health condition or take medications, tell staff at intake so they can monitor you and help manage your care.
Shelter is not permanent. If you want to stay longer than a few nights, case managers can help you explore transitional housing programs, rapid rehousing, or permanent supportive housing. These programs have their own intake processes and may have waiting lists, but they offer stability beyond nightly shelter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Nashville resident to stay at Room in the Inn?
No. Room in the Inn serves anyone experiencing homelessness in Nashville, regardless of where they are from or how long they have been in the city. You do not need to prove residency or have a local address.
What if I have a mental health condition or am in crisis?
Tell staff at intake. Room in the Inn has medical and mental health staff on site. If you are in acute crisis, you can also call 911 or go to the emergency room at any Nashville hospital. Crisis counselors can also be reached through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
Can I stay at the shelter if I have a job?
Yes. Many people in Nashville shelters work full-time or part-time jobs. You can stay at Room in the Inn while employed. If you want to focus on job training or employment, The Contributor may be a better fit, as it is designed specifically for working residents.
What if I have children with me?
Room in the Inn accepts families with children. Tell staff at intake how many children you have and their ages. Some shelter locations are better equipped for families than others, and staff will place you accordingly. Scarlet Hope also serves families, particularly those fleeing domestic violence.
Is there a waiting list for permanent housing from the shelter?
Room in the Inn case managers can connect you with permanent supportive housing programs and rapid rehousing, but these programs have their own waiting lists and intake processes. Waiting times vary from weeks to months depending on the program and your circumstances. Case managers will explain the timeline when you discuss options.