LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Six months after Kentucky implemented a statewide ban on street camping as part of the Safer Kentucky Act, both advocates and lawmakers are evaluating its effects.
While supporters have said the law has improved public safety and encouraged some individuals to seek services, homeless outreach groups have reported increased challenges in helping vulnerable populations.
George Eklund, education and advocacy director for the Coalition for the Homeless, said the camping ban has made assisting those living on the streets more difficult.
“With the Safer Kentucky Act, we’ve been given a new obstacle, a new barrier,” Eklund said.
Eklund said Louisville shelters are consistently at or near capacity, leaving many with no choice but to remain outdoors. He noted that people experiencing homelessness are now more spread out across the city as officers enforce the ban and as camp clearings continues. Both, he said, make it harder for outreach workers to provide services.
“If a case manager, if an outreach worker has to go further into a wooded area, if they have to go further out into the community, it takes more time,” Eklund said. “So a lot of times, we might have a client, a person who has a voucher, a ticket out of homelessness, and we can’t find them.”
Since the law took effect in July, Louisville Metro Police have issued at least 67 citations for unlawful camping, which carries fines ranging from $50 to $200. Nine individuals cited were also arrested on additional charges, according to Kevin Trager, a spokesperson for Mayor Craig Greenberg, D-Louisville.
State Rep. John Hodgson, R-Fisherville, helped draft the legislation, and believes it’s working as intended.
“Mayor’s office is very positive about the changes," Hodgson said. "The chief of police said it’s helping his officers get the job done. Treatment center places have said that they are homeless clients coming in, seeking rehab, maybe for the first time, and they can save somebody’s life."
Hodgson added he and other lawmakers regularly meet with organizations like the Coalition for the Homeless to address concerns and continue improving outcomes for those affected.
Greenberg’s office provided Spectrum News with this statement concerning the statewide camping ban.
“Our administration remains focused on ensuring our parks, bus stops, sidewalks, and other public spaces are safe and accessible for everyone. We are committed to enforcing the laws passed by the general assembly, including House Bill 5. We are also working to ensure people experiencing homelessness have more options for emergency shelter, mental health and addiction treatment, and stable housing. Last month we opened the city’s newest homeless shelter with VOA, and we look forward to opening the permanent family shelter at the Community Care Campus in 2025.“
Eklund said despite the additional challenges, outreach groups will continue their efforts.
“It’s just going to be an omnipresent thorn in our side,” Eklund said.