COVINGTON, Ky. — The Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky hosted its 15th anniversary and first Winter shelter Open House since Covid-19, giving a look at the community’s only low-barrier, harm reduction shelter for adults in the area.
Kim Webb has served as the shelters Executive Director for nearly 10 years. What started out as a volunteer opportunity for a son quickly turned into a new career for her. She said the shelter implemented key skills on what it means to serve.
“One of the things that impressed my husband, and I was that they allowed the youth to come in and learn what it means to give back to the community,” Webb said.
She said she quickly joined in and has been there ever since.
“A few interviews later, I was off and running,” she said.
The shelter is preparing to open its doors on Nov. 1, to both women and men so they don’t have to sleep on the streets in the cold. Kim says this is the shelters 15th winter shelter.
“We’ve been here since February of 2022 and it just really felt like the timing is right, especially because we’re kicking off our 15th anniversary,” Webb said. “So, the winter open house was a great way to invite our community in to take a look around, help us stock up for winter and just learn more about homelessness.”
A few staff spoke about the shelter’s many programs. While Maurice Simpson, one recent guest of the shelter, also shared a message to visitors about his experience at the shelter.
“You know, they feed, clothe you. You could take showers, wash your clothes,” Simpson said. “There’s no excuse why somebody should be homeless or out on the street, sleep on the streets when they provide the service to come in and allow you to get cleaned up and sleep here.”
Like Simpson, Webb said that she hopes visitors leave remembering one thing.
“Whether it’s a 70-year-old man who just got evicted because he couldn’t afford rent to an 18-year-old who just is finishing high school and doesn’t have a bed to sleep in to every other reason in the middle. These are human beings,” Webb said. “These are folks that are your brothers or sisters, your coworkers, your neighbors. And the struggle is real right now in the house, in this realm of housing.”
According to the Jan. 2022 PIT (Point In Time) Count, more than 500,000 people are experiencing homelessness across the United States. If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, you can go to the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development to find a shelter near you.
The executive director said they are always seeking volunteers and partners to provide services for guest. You can visit their website at http://emergencyshelternky.org find more information.