Dozens of people held a rally protesting the lack of affordable housing in Nashville.
The Nashville chapter of 'Homes For All' started the event Saturday with a cookout near Edgehill where several residents spoke to a large group of people about their concerns. Plenty of the participants have been considered low-income families.
"We can't afford being relocated, dislocated, and tossed around," a native resident of Nashville said out loud. "We need affordable housing for underprivileged and low-income families."
The cookout was followed by a march from the intersection of 12th Avenue South and Argyle to the Gulch, an area known for its luxury living.
"We're out here to raise awareness about the rapidly rising rents and to say we need homes for all," one protester told NewsChannel 5.
The protesters circled around the Gulch chanting with signs and would occasionally stop on the side for bystanders.
The city's rapid growth has been reflected in the rise in rent prices and major housing developments.
Many of the protesters were natives of Nashville and have been fearful the high costs will drive them out from their neighborhoods.
"We're literally having thousands of displaced from their homes because they can't afford rent, I don't want to move and don't want to be moved," another protester said.
The average rate to rent an apartment in Nashville has been $1,422 as of August 2016, according to Rent Jungle.
According to recent census status, the average median household income in Nashville has been $46,758.
Most recently, Metro city council members approved two bills aimed to help with the affordable housing issue. Some apartment developers have now been required to include affordable housing units and would receive grant money that will offset the costs.
To learn more about the ordinances, click on this link.
