OUR PROGRAMS

The Academy

The mission of THE ACADEMY is to provide veterans the opportunities necessary to transition from chronic homelessness to sustained independent living.

Four Steps

  • Orientation & Adjustment (6-12 months)
  • Program Commitment / Goals (6-12 Months)
  • Transition to Independent Living
  • Independent Living

COUNSELING AND SUPPORT

  • Drug / Alcohol Counseling & Support
  • Pre-employment Training
  • Veteran’s Benefits Counseling
  • Clothing & Personal Hygiene Items provided
  • Food / Meals Prepared and Served
  • Mentoring Program

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Individual and Group spiritual development time is provided
  • Access to Community Churches is provided
  • Spiritual development programs are provided

CONTINUING EDUCATION

  • Coordination and Transportation to Doctor and Clinic Appointments
  • Secure & Provide access to prescribed medications
  • Random, routine drug screening provided
  • Special dietary needs are provided for
  • Opportunities for exercise & relaxation are provided

HEALTH & FITNESS

  • Coordination and Transportation to Doctor and Clinic Appointments
  • Secure & Provide access to prescribed medications
  • Random, routine drug screening provided
  • Special dietary needs are provided for
  • Opportunities for exercise and relaxation are provided

OTHER ESSENTIALS

  • Personal Time
  • Structured Work Experience & Training
  • Shared Household Duties & Responsibilities
  • Fire / Life Safety Plan and Drills
  • Community Involvement and Activities
  • Strictly applied House Rules and Disciplinary Programs
  • Recognition and Incentives for superior performance

Veteran Assistance

affordable housing

Housing is obtained at a cost that matches the individual’s income or anticipated income through a group of housing partners that includes Urban Housing Solutions, Prestige Pointe, First Nashville Realty Management and others. BLF will pay up to the first two months rent, utilities and deposits depending on the assessed need of the individual. The individual will typically have a job within the first 30 days in the program which allows them to pay their own rent thereafter.

apartment furnishings

Each participant is provided an apartment package free of charge that includes towels, bedding, cleaning supplies, dishes, pots/pans, silverware, coffee pot, pillows, etc. Complete furniture for the apartment is also furnished as furniture is available.

job assistance

Building Lives provides job placement assistance utilizing a network of employment service companies and individual corporations who have agreed to partner with Building Lives to provide employment opportunities. This information is provided by the BLF Resource Coordinators. Additional employment opportunities are communicated as they become available through the BLF network.

guidance counseling

A Resource Coordinator (Mentor) is provided to each individual. Their role is to assist the individual to successfully attain the individual’s new life goals. The Mentor will provide life skills training, budgeting assistance, serve as a sounding board/listen and provide options and solutions as needed. The Mentor also encourages the individual to join a church, mosque or synagogue of their choice, get involved with community service and provides avenues to grow the individual’s community (new associates, friends and contacts).

For more information on these programs, please contact:
Office: (615) 678-4967 | Email Us

How to apply

Click button below to apply now.

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Support Us

Building Lives is committed to assisting our veterans to rebuild their lives in thanks for preserving our right to live in freedom in the United States of America. We do this through various veterans assistance programs, volunteer help and donations from people like you.

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