Murfreesboro, TN - Homelessness has been rising in Rutherford County, especially in Murfreesboro, which accounts for the majority of the county’s unhoused population. A 2020 count found 322 people experiencing homelessness, with 48% unsheltered. Just two-years later, that 322 homeless population exproded to 3,500 persons.  Estimates for 2025 place Murfreesboro's homeless population around 4,000.

Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland addressed the homeless issue on the local WGNS Action Line talk show...

And speaking of crime, data shows that the two go hand-in-hand. McFarland explained...

He is really concerned with how the exploding homeless issue is impacting our library...

Mayor McFarland said that we need to work together to address the local homeless challenges...

Despite these issues, Murfreesboro is known for its strong community response and proactive policing. Mayor Shane McFarland is on WGNS several times each month, and with those local broadcasts--the public has opportunities to either phone and talk with the mayor or text a question. 

WGNS promotes "open dialogue" between all sides of issues. Open dialogue—when done with curiosity instead of combativeness—can be transformative. It builds trust, uncovers common ground, and makes space for nuance instead of just noise. Shouting might win attention, but listening wins understanding.

Murfreesboro has seen grassroots efforts where people on opposite ends of issues have come together—whether through town halls, community boards, or outreach programs—not to win debates, but to find shared solutions. It’s a mindset that could benefit just about any city facing challenges like homelessness or crime. We simply must all be "good neighbors" to each other and listen!