COVINGTON, Ky. — Temperatures are falling, and it's that time of year where snowfall collects on the sidewalks. While it can be an annoyance to some, it's worse for those who have to spend the night in it.

“Nobody wants to be outside in the freezing weather," said Rhonda Chisenhall, community development vice president of Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission (CAC).

She said many homeless people battle that issue this time of the year. In fact, she said homelessness is a big issue across Northern Kentucky. She's not the only one who's noticed.

“I think homelessness is a growing threat to our community," said Karen Zengel, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky.

It's an issue that stuck out to Horizon Community Funds of Northern Kentucky. They took $90,000 in COVID relief funds and split that up between St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky, Brighton Center and Northern Kentucky CAC.

“Our hope is that these emergency funds are really providing relief assistance to those who are most disproportionately impacted by the pandemic," said Nancy Grayson, Horizon's president.

Brighton Center's Talia Frye said they've already put the money to use.

"We've been able to serve 58 households with $26,000," Frye said.

Brighton Center and the others are investing money into something that's been in high demand: rental assistance.

“Having a roof over your head, having housing first, so that you can take care of your other basic needs, helps relieve a significant concern," Zengel said.

It's a step in the right direction in helping prevent homelessness.

“It’s a problem that we’re trying to wrap our arms around and to make some good support. For now with the relief fund, we’re helping in a small way but we hope a significant way as well," Grayson said.