FRANKFORT, Ky. — Community members are helping Frankfort's ACCESS Soup Kitchen and Men's Shelter stay open after facing setbacks.
What You Need To Know
- Frankfort's ACCESS Soup Kitchen and Men's Shelter is facing closure if budget funds are not met
- The kitchen provides essential items such as food, hygiene, bedding, shelter and social services
- It has served the homeless and those needing help since 1984
- The kitchen often relies on financial contributions from local churches and also serves and prepares lunches
The facility gives homeless people a chance to clean their belongings and grab groceries, hygiene care and clothing. Doors are open seven days a week.
“In 2022, we served 18,000 meals," director Brian Pedigo said. "In 2023, we went up to 22,345 meals, which is a continuing increase and need for the community, along with housing 16 residents, 365 days a year.”
The temporary men’s shelter opened in 1984 after an incident.
“A gentleman froze to death under the Capitol Avenue Bridge, and that's why access was established to help the community,” Pedigo said.
He said the city had no shelter or food service like itself before then. The kitchen now feeds 75 to 100 people daily and provides essential items for families such as canned and non-perishable items.
Every Tuesday evening, it offers a bible study for residents as a Christian-based ministry.
Pedigo said since opening, the prices of maintaining food and programming have risen with inflation, increasing its monthly budget from $20,000 to $25,000.
As a result, more community members are pitching in to help. Pedigo said he has hope, but the need has grown every day.
“They're people," he said. "They have faith. They have a story, and it’s troubling."
"If we went away, what would happen if they couldn't get that free meal every day?”
More on the shelter, including contact information, can be found on its website.