LOUISVILLE, Ky. — More than $1 million in federal funding is on the way to counties across the Commonwealth.

What You Need To Know

  • Louisville’s Coalition for the Homeless said Jefferson County is getting more than $321,000 in federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program

  • For the first time, the coalition is administering the money across Jefferson County

  • Applications are being accepted now from nonprofits or governments

  • A local board will review applications and make recommendations to the national board. The application deadline is noon on Friday, April 19

The money is aimed squarely at adding to emergency food and shelter programs. 

For the last 6.5 years, 46-year-old Kevin Stice’s life has been spent living outside, on the streets of Louisville. “It’s been hell. When I first hit the streets, it was depressing. Missing my family and realizing the grief and loss of what I have caused from my drinking and my drugging,” Stice, who is houseless in Louisville, explained.

He’s working on himself and dealing with this situation the best he can, but it can be hard. “I’m really just kind of fighting the quicksand,” he explained.

Help is on the way right now. Louisville’s Coalition for the Homeless said Jefferson County is getting more than $321,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. The document that shows nearly $1.7 million in federal award money is allocated for dozens of Kentucky counties for fiscal year 2023.

“It’s really exciting that there is more of an option for people who need shelter, who need food and we know there are lots of hardworking organizations who do that work in Louisville,” said Catherine McGeeney, director of communications with the Coalition for the Homeless.

For the first time, the coalition is administering the money across Jefferson County. They are accepting applications now from Nonprofits or governments.

“Eligible activities to be funded include prepared meals, grocery vouchers, shelter lodging or rent or mortgage assistance, utility assistance and diaper and feminine hygenie products. All of those are examples of projects that could be funded through this really important work,” said McGeeney.

It was welcomed news to Stice. “That really would be a big help for us because there’s a lot of people out here that want to get help,” Stice said.

A local board will review applications and make recommendations to the national board. The application deadline is noon on Friday, April 19.

The Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program has more detailed information.

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