What Is Nashville LAUNCH PAD?

Mission

To create a network of temporary, safer, street-free sleeping shelters for unhoused young adults which are open and affirming to LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.

Vision

To ensure all unhoused and displaced young adults in Middle TN have safer and more secure sleeping shelters throughout the year.

What We Do

  • Emergency Shelter

    Nightly Emergency Shelter has been the heart of Launch Pad since 2014. These simple shelter spaces are supported by a network of church hosts.

    Emergency Shelter provides an LGBTQ+ affirming, safer sleeping environment, a warm meal, and a hot shower from Nov 1st - March 31st.

    It’s not fancy, but our staff and volunteers are trained in trauma-informed care and all work to create a welcoming, secure, and healing environment for our guests.

  • Independent-Supported Living Program (ISLP)

    Launched in 2021, ISLP provides apartment accommodations to unhoused LGBTQ+ young adults, 18 to 24. Guests can take up to six months to focus on employment, the search for permanent housing, education goals, and more.

    Additionally, guests can receive mail, leave belongings, and create a routine by returning to the same, familiar place night after night while protected from the Nashville heat or cold.

  • Mobile Housing Navigation Center

    Set to open in late November of 2023. More info coming soon!

Meet the Team

  • HG Stovall

    he/him

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    hg@nashvillelaunchpad.com

  • Micah Sciarappa

    they/them

    PROGRAM DIRECTOR

    micah@nashvillelaunchpad.com

  • Corrine Elise

    she/her

    ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ENGAGEMENT & ADMIN

    corrine@nashvillelaunchpad.com

  • Emi Canahuati

    she/her/ella

    BOARD PRESIDENT & CHAIR

    emicanahuati@nashvillelaunchpad.com

  • Amiee Sadler

    she/her/they

    BOARD VICE PRESIDENT

  • Brady Banks

    he/him

    BOARD TREASURER

  • Andrew Herrington

    he/him

    BOARD SECRETARY

  • Rachel B. Hagewood

    she/her

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Dr. Stephanie Mahnke, Ph.D.

    she/her

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Blake Matthews

    he/him

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Justin Pruett, J.D.

    he/him

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Rev. R.J. Robles, M. Div.

    he/they

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Robert L. Thomas

    he/him

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Derek Gibson

    FOUNDER, EX-OFFICIO