Empowering Affordable Living: A Decade of Impact with the Barnes Housing Trust Fund

The Barnes Housing Trust Fund recently marked its 10th anniversary, commemorating a decade of impactful contributions to affordable housing initiatives in Nashville. Named after the late Rev. Bill Barnes, a passionate advocate for affordable housing in the city, this pioneering housing trust fund was established in 2013 under the leadership of Mayor Karl Dean. Over the years, it has burgeoned from an initial budget of $2.7 million to an impressive $150 million.

Functioning as the city’s inaugural housing trust fund, the Barnes Fund focuses on assisting nonprofit developers in constructing new housing units designed to remain affordable. Its operational model involves providing competitive grants to these developers. The fund’s financial support has diversified, drawing from various avenues.

In 2015, the Nashville Metro Council dedicated revenue from one penny of the tax levied on Airbnb hosts. Throughout the pandemic, substantial injections of funds were received through federal COVID relief efforts. Additionally, in 2021, a new housing division within Metro was introduced to oversee affordable housing initiatives across the city government.

A recent celebratory event brought together Mayor Freddie O’Connell, former mayors, city officials, and housing advocates to reflect on the achievements of the past decade. Eddie Latimer, CEO of Affordable Housing Resources—a nonprofit supported by the Barnes Fund—was among the speakers at the event. He provided insights into the fund’s origins, its evolution, and his vision for its future.

Latimer emphasized the fund’s transformative journey from theological social work with social workers to engaging students and external resources. However, he highlighted that true progress occurred when the government became actively involved.

Quoting a former mayor, Latimer underscored the essential role of government in the realm of affordable housing:

“Government cannot do affordable housing. It never has been able to. It never will be able to. But affordable housing cannot happen without government.”

Collaboration emerged as a central theme in Latimer’s address, stressing the importance of partnerships between organizations and Metro. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in the Barnes Fund’s significant achievements over the past decade. Nearly $110 million has been awarded to 33 nonprofits, leading to the creation of 3,865 new rental homes, 395 new for-sale homes, and the rehabilitation of 460 owner-occupied homes.

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