Hospitality Hub urges $2.5 million from Shelby County to expand noncongregate sheltering for families and youth

Kelsey Johnson, a Hospitality Hub representative, told the Shelby County Budget & Finance Committee that homelessness “is not a downtown problem” and described rising numbers of unhoused children and families across the county.

Johnson said the Hub serves people across Memphis and the suburbs and described a mix of services including a hotel intake model, hub studios for single adults or small family units, outreach to encampments and a youth housing development program (YSDP). She told commissioners the Hub had 5,213 unique guests last year and reported roughly 2,690–2,960 homeless children in local schools, figures she cited from her organization's outreach and school-system contacts.

The presentation asked the committee to approve $2,500,000 in county funding so the Hub can continue countywide operations and expand studio housing for families. Johnson described the Hub’s noncongregate approach — two people to a room instead of large dorm settings, trauma-informed design and a “hub studio” model that allows a mother with older sons to shelter with her children — and said the organization is planning 60 family-focused studios on the Manassas High School campus, each about 630 square feet and with a kitchenette and a bedroom door at community request.

The Hub representatives and a former guest, Andrea Carey, testified about day-to-day services. Carey described the Hub as “saving lives” and praised staff compassion and services. Jamie Naylor, a staff member, said she has worked at the Hub for two years and urged county support: “We need your partnership. We need your support.”

Commissioners asked about operational details. When asked whether there is a time limit on stays, Johnson said there are no fixed time limits; rather the Hub requires guests to engage in case management and follow-up appointments. She described outcomes metrics used by the Hub, including how many guests obtained a state identification, driver’s license, employment, enrollment in benefits programs such as Families First, or moved into permanent housing.

Johnson also described the Hub’s prior operations in clearing a tent encampment on the mall without force, instead offering outreach, hotel placements and connections to treatment and family reunification. She said hub studios suit people with PTSD or other conditions who cannot shelter congregately and allow short-term privacy for those transitioning to permanent apartments.

The presentation contained several program-level quantitative claims provided by Hub staff: 5,213 unique guests last year; about 2,600 first-time guests so far this year; 339 women sheltered and 74-plus children at the Hub hotel; about 23 children living on the Hub campus at the time of the presentation. The Hub asked for $2,500,000 in county funding to sustain and expand countywide services.

Commissioners thanked the presenters, encouraged site visits to the Hub and signaled support; no formal vote was recorded in committee on the funding request.

The Hub’s request will be considered as part of the county’s budget process and may be adjusted in subcommittee deliberations.