NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A Nashville homeless organization is trying to circumvent city laws after being kicked out of Metro Parks for lacking a permit.
Park officials said they shut down Colby’s Army in Richland Park last week because of an unauthorized distribution. Several people who live near the park complained that the group’s program was attracting more homeless people to the area.
Volunteer Jess Wilson said Colby’s Army has been loading up food, water and other supplies every Tuesday for 14 years, and last week was the first time they were asked for a permit.
She said it’s difficult to get a permit because each one requires a specific time and place, but more than 100 people rely on the nonprofit to be there when they’re needed.
“We just want to meet people where they are,” Wilson said. “If they’re in a public park, then that’s the way it is.”
Wilson said homeless people are very upset because they are not allowed to hand out things without a permit. They have started handing out things in an alley across from Richland Park to get around the city’s restrictions.
Metro Parks Police are concerned that homeless services attract large crowds and need to be managed.
Tim Tomes lives near the park and said people have already started causing problems by smoking and drinking near the playground where he takes his granddaughter.
“It’s not about hurting anyone,” Tomes said. “It’s about doing it right, according to the law and the proper procedure. That’s all.”
Tomes wants Richland Park to be a safe place for families to use the library, green space and other community facilities. He said any organization that uses the park must follow the same rules.
“Due to the increased need for homeless services in the area and concerns from residents, Colby’s Army, as well as other relief organizations, are being asked to apply for a permit so residents are aware of feeding times and dates,” a Metro Parks spokesperson said. “This also allows the department to schedule the relief events so they do not conflict with special events already scheduled.”
Colby Army leadership said it has applied for a permit, but it will not be reviewed until the October Metro Parks meeting at the earliest. It will continue to provide services near the park for the foreseeable future.
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