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Council approves special-use permit for family homelessness hub at 777 Firestone Avenue
Summary
The Memphis City Council approved a special‑use permit for a family-focused homelessness hub at 777 Firestone Avenue after the developer submitted a revised site plan and councilmembers emphasized community engagement and wraparound services.
The Memphis City Council on Jan. 21 approved a special‑use permit to develop a family‑focused homelessness hub at 777 Firestone Avenue, voting to accept an amended site plan that replaces smaller studio units with cottages and adds shared amenities.
The Division of Planning and Development filed the case as SUP24‑402 pursuant to Chapter 9.6 of the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code. The applicant presented a substitute site plan at the meeting that, according to DPD and the applicant, reflects neighborhood input from meetings held with nearby pastors and community members.
Josh Whitehead, representing the project, said the revised plan “has a farm stand and other amenities” and converts all units to cottages to “accommodate families” because “there are very few options in the city for complete families.” Councilwoman Dr. Easter Thomas, sponsor of the resolution and a district representative, emphasized that the plan was revised after community meetings with local pastors and neighbors and said the kitchenette and bathroom changes mattered for families’ dignity and stability.
Council members praised the collaborative approach. Councilman Carlisle noted the long work required to deliver brick‑and‑mortar projects and commended sustained advocacy. Councilwoman Logan, who pushed for a family‑focused hub during the pandemic, said the location and partnerships available made the site suitable and stressed the council does not “force things on people” when neighborhoods object. Councilwoman Cooper Sutton and Councilwoman Walker highlighted past partnerships and recent U.S. Supreme Court guidance when discussing the timing and need for supervised, family‑focused shelter options.
One member of the public, Tara Miller, a licensed master social worker, spoke in favor and said family‑focused shelter options help address blight and underlying social needs. The council voted to approve the permit as amended; the roll call recorded unanimous support.
The council and project representatives said the hub will be paired with community ministry and support services; the transcript records requests to coordinate services and ongoing neighborhood engagement. The case record and file for SUP24‑402 will reflect the substitute site plan submitted at the hearing.
Action details and vote record appear in the meeting's official minutes.
