KENTUCKY — In Nov. 2024, the special committee tasked with studying and reviewing Kentucky's current housing shortage and future policy needs issued its final report, which identified key challenges and recommendations to address access and availability of housing to people living all across the commonwealth.

On this week's "In Focus Kentucky" program, we’re discussing efforts to tackle Kentucky's housing shortage.

According to a recent study from the Kentucky Housing Task Force, state lawmakers are recommending regulation reforms to improve the efficiency of construction and effectiveness of buyers and renters finding new homes. Data released from the special committee shows the largest housing gaps are in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green and Boone and Kenton counties.

While many have directed their attention to how the larger cities in the commonwealth are addressing this topic, what about in areas such as the Appalachian region or in Pulaski County near Lake Cumberland? 

Somerset Mayor Alan Keck joins this segment to weigh in on how homelessness and the housing shortage are affecting his community.

"It's a real issue," Keck said. "We are proud of our growth. It's something that we put a huge emphasis on, and we are proud of the fact that we're one of the only communities in eastern Kentucky that's growing. I've been really vocal about this issue; I think a lot of the homelessness that we have is really a symptom, if you will, of some other challenges."

"We talk a lot about rehab and recovery, but Kentucky has become, in some ways, a hotbed for that. While I think that we can boast perhaps about having the most beds per capita, we also are bringing in folks from other states. I think that the awareness that has been brought to that is a good thing, but it then leads to some homelessness. Folks might come in here from Tennessee or Indiana, and if they don't finish that recovery process, they might end up homeless in our community." 

During this segment, Keck also explained details about his proposal earlier this fall for a new ordinance addressing safety concerns created by panhandling. Keck said his city now has a new ordinance that carries a fine for people standing in medians, approaching vehicles and improperly crossing major roadways in Somerset.

"We wanted to do something to make sure that we do two things: we protect those that are in their vehicles driving ... you don't want to be approached aggressively, but also those that are choosing to try to raise some money or raise awareness about an issue, protect their safety," Keck said. "We saw a group start to get pretty aggressive in the middle of medians, and actually in intersections, and it became a safety concern."

"I appreciate those in Lexington that sort of model this. Panhandling is protected under the First Amendment; you can ask for money. Well, we said in Somerset, if you're going to do that, we'd encourage you to ask it for it in another way. But if you're going to make this decision, then do it in a safe way." 

You can watch the full 'In Focus Kentucky' segment in the player above.