LEXINGTON, Ky. — Shortages, COVID-19 accommodations, and these cold winter months are some of the issues homeless shelters and community centers are facing in Fayette County. 

What You Need To Know

  • Fayette County Homeless Shelters are preparing for winter months

  • Shelters have partnered with hotels and churches to expand space

  • Some shelters in Lexington are dealing with Staff Shortages

  • According to the Homelessness Prevention and Intervention Director, there are roughly 700 people experiencing literal homelessness in Fayette Co.

Ginny Ramsey with the Catholic Action Center says winters are always challenging, but this year with COVID and staff shortages, her job has become even more challenging.

“The winter itself is tough, but when we add the coronavirus to it, it is making things so difficult. In the case of the Catholic Action Center, we're not able to welcome as many people in for 23 winters, well, actually 21 of the winters because of the pandemic. We were able to welcome everyone in and have space even if they just have a chair,” Ramsey said.

Ramsey says over the last week one of the day shelters had to close their doors due to a shortage in staffing, but staffing shortages don’t stop the freezing temperatures, and people in need.

“It's tough though, because this cold always every winter we go through this and try to bring people in because the real solution is shelter. The real solution is to help them on the path to permanent shelter. But during these cold, dangerous times, you know our prayers and our actions are to keep them safe,” Ramsey said.

Polly Ruddick, the Director of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention says there are roughly 700 people including children experiencing literal homelessness in Fayette County.

Over the last week, the city has activated their winter plans.

“What happens is that it's 32 degrees and it's not windchill. So is it just air temperature. 32 degrees sometimes feels much colder than 32 but we activate at an air temperature of 32 degrees. And all shelters kind of make plans internally of themselves how to expand the capacity, “ Ruddick said.

Ruddick says those plans include partnering with churches and hotels, providing nearly 400 extra beds to prepare for the cooler nights ahead.

The Catholic Action Center says they are in desperate need of hand warmers and sleeping bags, as of this week they had given out nearly four-hundred sleeping bags, with only three left in storage. 

Related Stories