About Rooftop: Our History
Keep Nashville Housed: Building stability through a compassionate & collaborative rental/mortgage assistance program.
Our History
In 2005, a woman walked into Christ Church Cathedral on a Sunday morning asking for assistance. She had lost her job waitressing, and she had $125 left to pay toward her rent. Bill and Fletch Coke were greeters that morning and invited her to come in and call 211, the United Way’s helpline. She was frustrated. She had already called 211 and they suggested she contact a local congregation. The Coke’s figured out how to help this woman and seed was planted. Bill, who passed away in March of 2024 and his wife, Fletch, have always had a compelling desire to try and find solutions to the issue in our community.
In 2005, a woman walked into Christ Church Cathedral on a Sunday morning asking for assistance. She had lost her job waitressing, and she had $125 left to pay toward her rent. Bill and Fletch Coke were greeters that morning and invited her to come in and call 211, the United Way’s helpline. She was frustrated. She had already called 211 and they suggested she contact a local congregation. The Coke’s figured out how to help this woman and seed was planted. Bill, who passed away in March of 2024 and his wife, Fletch, have always had a compelling desire to try and find solutions to the issue in our community.
A few days and several phone calls later revealed that many congregations were frequently facing similar requests. While churches often gave assistance, there was no screening process, no tracking process, and much uncertainty as to what long-term benefits each assistance brought. A gathering of fifteen area churches led to the formation of Rooftop, where funds were pooled, applicants were screened, and assistance was awarded.
On July 27, 2006, Rooftop Foundation, now operating at Rooftop Nashville, became a 501 (C)(3). In the beginning, Rooftop partnered with Metro Social Services to screen applicants, providing a central clearinghouse for client referrals from the member congregations. In 2015, Rooftop received a $500,000 grant ($100,000/year for 5 years) to employ in-house social workers. This initiative streamlined our process for clients, allowing us to better support those in need. In 2017, Rooftop moved into space donated by Nashville First Baptist Church. In 2020, the application process was moved online, removing the burden missing work for an in-person interview for clients. Today, Nashville First Baptist houses the Rooftop administration offices. Applicants can complete the process online or drop documentation in a drop box.
Throughout its twenty-year journey, Rooftop has maintained a consistent mission to Keep Nashville Housed. The organization offers temporary rent or mortgage assistance to residents of Davidson County who are cost-burdened, spending 30% or more of their income toward housing. Rooftop has actively participated in the community during times of disaster, including the flood of 2010, the tornado in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic, and most recently, Winter Storm Fern. They have also partnered with local congregations, the Community Assistance Network (formerly known as the Financial Assistance Network), and the Eviction Right to Counsel. This mission all began with a single woman seeking help and a responsive community rallying together with a resounding YES.
