The Key Alliance is the 501(c)3 nonprofit fundraising arm of the Metropolitan Homelessness Commission and was created in 2009. The goal of The Key Alliance is to raise funding to implement the programs aimed to end chronic homelessness and reduce overall homelessness in Nashville as described in the city's 10 Year Plan.

To do so, The Key Alliance builds strategic partnerships with corporations, foundations, service providers, community leaders, faith-based organizations, and government agencies. No one entity can end homelessness. The Key Alliance operates under a board that raises and allocates the money needed to implement the Housing First model. The forming of The Key Alliance utilizing the Housing First program and building key collaborations will reshape Nashville's approach to solving homelessness.

Housing First

Housing First is a nationally recognized program that moves homeless individuals and families directly from the street into permanent housing where they receive intensive case management. Once stabilized in housing, an individual or family works closely with a case manager on issues related to mental health, addictions and/or physical limitations. The goal is to move people toward self-sufficiency. The costs of health care (including ER visits and medical detox), jail time, court and other services diminish quickly when a person is no longer attempting to survive on the streets. Housing First differs from the traditional approach of trying to stabilize homeless individuals while they are still without a permanent home.

The Housing First Formula of Success is:

Housing + Case Management + Income = Reduction in Homelessness