LEXINGTON, Ky. — Though beautiful for some, the first snow of the winter can be dire for those without shelter. 

Lexington's Catholic Action Center is full steam ahead in its efforts to protect those in the unhoused community from frigid temperatures.

What You Need To Know

  • Lexington's Catholic Action Center is gearing up for cold temperatures  

  • The center's Compassionate Care Van has already distributed more than 700 sleeping bags  

  • Lack of shelter space is a concern, as Lexington saw a nearly 26% increase in homelessness this past year 

  • The center is collecting snacks, juice boxes and winter hats and gloves to give out

As flakes fell from the sky Thursday in Lexington, marking the sign winter is near, the Catholic Action Center has been preparing year-round for the return of cold weather. Co-founder Ginny Ramsey said with state measures designed to crack down on homelessness, it is crucial to help those unhoused.

“People have been giving us supplies; we have sleeping bags," Ramsey said. "Our Compassionate Care Van is going out giving people things to keep them warm."

The nonprofit shelters and supports those in the unhoused community of Lexington-Fayette County. This past summer, the organization conduced a Street Count Survey, which it said tells a true picture of the city's homelessness problem. That survey showed 3,034 people are experiencing homelessness in Lexington.

Ramsey said since then, that number has grown. 

“We’re looking at eight to 10 evictions a day, four days a week, and the number of people hearing from who are just becoming displaced is really unnerving," Ramsey said.

More than 500 people who responded to that same survey said they are sleeping outside, in a vehicle or in abandoned buildings. Ramsey said the group tries its best to get everyone inside, but most shelters, including theirs, are at capacity.

“Here we are in November, feeling this first bite of winter and we just have to hope and pray that everyone is taken care of," Ramsey said.

The City of Lexington could not secure land for its Hope Village this year. The city plans to utilize hotels to shelter those who need it.

The Catholic Action Center is collecting items for its Compassionate Care Van and is looking for individually wrapped snacks, juice boxes and winter hats and gloves.

Ramsey said the group has already provided more than 700 sleeping bags, and people have donated sweatshirts as well.

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