Rooftop Nashville
Where Prevention Becomes Power
At St. Bartholomew, our Mission & Outreach (M&O) ministry believes in the profound truth that sometimes the most transformative work happens before crisis becomes catastrophe. That wisdom is embodied in our founding partnership with Rooftop Nashville, a collaborative ministry born in 2005 from the recognition that keeping families housed is far more powerful than helping them recover from homelessness. As one of Rooftop's partner congregations, St. B's has been part of a revolutionary approach that pools resources from over 50 congregations across Nashville to interrupt the eviction cycle before it destroys lives.
Strength in Unity
Rooftop Nashville operates on a beautiful principle: no congregation should face housing crises alone. By bringing together the collective resources and wisdom of partner churches, Rooftop creates a safety net that no single congregation could provide. When families face unexpected financial hardships such as job loss, illness, or natural disasters, Rooftop provides one-time emergency assistance for rent, mortgage, or utility payments, paid directly to landlords to ensure housing stability.
Since 2006, this collaborative approach has assisted over 11,500 clients and provided more than $6 million in assistance. Their follow-up data shows remarkable success: over 97% of clients remain housed or move on their own without eviction at 6 and 12 months after receiving help.
This is Galatians 6:2 in action: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Why This Matters to Us
Rooftop addresses a stark reality: 47% of Americans don't have $400 saved for a financial emergency. When a housing crisis strikes, the consequences cascade far beyond the immediate family. Once someone has an eviction on their record, regaining stable housing becomes exponentially more difficult. A chronically homeless person costs taxpayers an average of $35,578 per year, while supportive housing costs only $12,800.
Rooftop's Impact:
Over 11,500 clients assisted since 2006
More than $6 million in rental, mortgage, and utility assistance provided
Partnership with over 50 congregations across Middle Tennessee
97% success rate in preventing eviction through follow-up support
Rapid response capability for community-wide emergencies
How St. B's Members Can Get Involved
Financial Partnership
Congregation Giving: St. B's contributes to the pooled fund that makes emergency assistance possible
Individual Donations: Members can donate directly to support families facing a housing crisis
Emergency Response: Special giving opportunities during community disasters or urgent needs
Awareness and Referral
Community Connections: Help identify neighbors who might benefit from Rooftop's assistance
Resource Sharing: Spread awareness about Rooftop's services through your networks
Advocacy: Support policies and practices that prevent housing instability
Prayer Support
Lift Up Families: Pray for those facing housing crisis and financial hardship
Support Staff: Remember Rooftop's social workers and review team in prayer
Congregational Unity: Pray for continued collaboration among partner churches
See Their Work in Action
Click the video below to learn more about how Rooftop Nashville is preventing homelessness through the power of congregational collaboration.
