LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Two winter storms hit Louisville and much of Kentucky last week, with snow, ice and plunging temperatures. 

Heavy snowfall caused significant travel interruptions and frigid temperatures, putting anyone living outside at risk. Metro Councilwoman Jennifer Chappell, D-District 15, said the storm put a spotlight on the city’s shelter space or lack thereof.

“I think that this entire situation has also really put a highlight on the need for shelter space in the South End and all over Louisville because right now it’s not very realistic to think we can have all of our vulnerable population make it downtown," Chappell said.

Louisville’s largest shelters are located in the downtown area, but with such dangerous travel condition during the snowfall, moving individuals to downtown shelters was no easy task. Chappell said an individual on the south side may be more inclined to seek shelter if it wasn’t miles away from the neighborhood they know best.

Last week, The StrEatery food hall, located in the Beechmont neighborhood, opened a pop-up shelter during the worst of the storm until the Louisville Fire Department stepped in. Chappell said the Codes and Regulations department helped assist in permitting an alternate shelter site.

“If a business or organization is looking to open its doors as a temporary shelter space during the winter months or any other weather emergency, they should contact our office as quickly as possible," the Metro Department of Codes and Regulations said in a statement to Spectrum News. "Our office will provide guidance on obtaining the necessary permit with urgency in an emergency situation. It is important to note that the original use of the building will influence the speed at which a temporary change of use permit can be issued, as we prioritize public safety in this process.”

Chappell said her best advice for any business considering offering its space as a shelter is to reach out to the city as soon as possible.