LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A proposed city-run area to help deal with Louisville's homeless problem now has an operating manager. 

What You Need To Know

  • Louisville Metro Government names operator for pilot homeless project

  • The Hope Buss will run the new Hope Village

  • The outdoor space purchased by the city will offer food, housing and other services to the city's homeless

  • Hope Village is expected to be complete by March 1

Louisville Metro Government's Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS) announced The Hope Buss will oversee the $1.5 million Safe Outdoor Space (SOS) project. The SOS project will give those without homes access to food, showers and outreach services and will be located at 212 East College St.

“As a compassionate city, our goal is to help those who are experiencing homelessness transition into more stable shelter and then put them onto a path to permanent, supportive housing,” said Mayor Greg Fischer in a news release.

The Hope Buss, founded by Stachelle Bussey, works to address community crisis and root causes, including homelessness. 

The area which will be called "The Hope Village," will have tents, portable facilities, water and access to electricity. Those who received help will also be provided access to community partners who can help with such things as housing, substance abuse counseling and mental health. 

“The Hope Buss is a perfect match for this role,” said Dr. Susan Buchino, Director of the Homeless Services Division at RCS. “Their team is well equipped and has a vision for The Hope Village that centers around the safety and well-being of the residents and the neighborhood, while focusing on delivering effective and efficient services that engage residents in creating a stability plan. We are excited to partner with them for this initiative.”

The city says Hope Village is part of a larger approach to create shelter and housing for the homeless. The city purchased the property on College Street in Nov., 2021.

“The Hope Village is not a permanent solution, but it is a bridge toward more sustainable solutions around our housing crisis,” said Rev. Stachelle D. Bussey, Founder and Executive Director of The Hope Buss. “Our promise remains — to engage and empower the community and encourage our Village residents by offering equitable options.

In the release, the city said supplies including tents, portable toilets and showers are being order now and that the site will be prepped later this month. The city hopes The Hope Village will be opening March 1.

Hope Village will not be just a walk-up type of establishment. Residents hoping for placement at The Hope Village will be identified through referrals from various organizations that work closely with the homeless population. 

The city and RCS have spoken to residents and businesses near the College State property and have set up a public, virtual meeting for Tuesday, Feb. 1 from 6 to 7 p.m. with District 4 Councilman Jecorey Arthur and The Hope Buss to review the plans and answer questions. 

Anyone interested in attending the meeting can register to join the meeting by video at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council-district-4 on the District 4 Weekly E-news or join by phone at 1-415-655-0001 (Access Code: 2305-593-1449#).

In addition, follow regular updates about progress at Hope Village on The Hope Buss’ Facebook and Instagram sites, and watch for the launch of new Hope Village social platforms on Feb. 1. 

In Nov. 2021, Metro Council approved $89 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding to support the city’s plan to address homelessness and boost affordable housing. 

The Hope Village pilot project is just one of many efforts the city has made to end homelessness in the community.

In addition to the $1.5 million allocated for operations of The Hope Village, other approved funding includes:

  • College Street Property: $7.5 million to convert the building at College Street into bridge housing units and furnish the units.
  • Permanent Supportive Housing: $32 million for client-centered housing with wraparound services.
  • Affordable Housing: $40 million will be invested in affordable housing units through the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
  • Down Payment Assistance: $4 million for Louisville Metro Government to increase down payment assistance to help approximately 160 new homeowners.
  • Home Repair: $4 million to boost an existing successful program that helps people stay in their homes; it would aid approximately 160 homeowners.

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