LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It’s been nearly six months since Louisville opened “The Hope Village,” an outdoor safe space and living area for homeless residents. The facility is at College and South Brook Street in Louisville.
Angel Todd, Director of Operations for The Hope Village, gave Spectrum News 1 an overview of how the site functions.
“So this is the car port area for The Hope Village. This is where we do all of our feeding. This is where we receive all of our guests initially. It is the entry point for all of our residents,” Todd explained.
In this line of work, every position is hands on. Todd works side by side with volunteers and Hope Village residents. “I love being able to call the residents by their name and know a little bit about them and so I want to do even more with that. So for my growth and being able to share the work we do here and the people we serve.. how do we tell their story?” Todd continued.
In six months, several hundred people have stayed here. Currently, there are approximately 30 residents.
“Recently we got a new system in place where we can buzz our residents in and out,” Todd explained.
The Hope Buss, the nonprofit tapped to operate The Hope Village, describes it as a “safe outdoor space,”. The organization also runs the Hope Village though a partnership with the Metro Louisville government.
Alcohol, drugs and weapons are not allowed
Throughout their stay, residents receive help on how to connect with health care, pathways to work and gaining housing vouchers.
“It’s good to have a place over my head, not in the snow. Three meals a day!” Brandon, a Hope Village resident, said.
When Spectrum News 1 met Brandon, he’d only been a resident for three days. He came to Hope Village through its referral process and so far, so good for the 26-year-old.
“Safe and secure, privacy of my own tent and the rules are good, no drugs or alcohol,” Brandon said.
Tuesday’s and Thursdays are donation days
Todd is hoping for more blankets.
“As we get into the colder months, we are in desperate need of warm blankets,” Todd said.
Blankets are in demand even though the tents at Hope Village have power and are heated. In here, blankets and ice are two comforts that Louisville’s homeless shouldn’t be deprived of.