LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) – Community partners came together Wednesday to determine the number of homeless people in Lexington.
The Central Kentucky Housing and Homeless Initiative partnered with the Catholic Action Center and the Street Voice Council as organizers met at the New Life Day Center.
Brother Thomas Caudill is one of those leading the effort to get a more comprehensive look at Lexington’s homeless population.
“The main thing is, once they see you, they’re more likely to talk to you about it,” Caudill said.
The street survey is a full-day initiative.
“The main thing is to track them down and make sure we have a clear number,” Caudill added.
The survey consists of thirteen questions and asks below what factors contributed to your question.
“They are not pushy. Everything is aggregated, we don’t ask for names, we ask for birthdays and initials,” said Ginny Ramsey.
Ramsey, director of the Catholic Action Center, leads a team of trained volunteers who ask questions in the survey. Last year, the survey was not about the Safer Kentucky Act, which took effect July 15.
The first arrest for illegal camping in Lexington was made downtown and, as LEX 18 previously reported, occurred on August 22nd.
“Simply because he had no place to sleep,” Ramsey said.
Brother Thomas is also vehemently committed to addressing the lack of affordable housing in Lexington.
“Something needs to be done to find out what the problem is and help them instead of just saying, ‘Throw them in jail, throw them in jail, throw them in jail,'” Caudill said.
The street survey takes steps to paint a picture of homelessness in Lexington. The input will be sent to lawmakers to try to make changes to House Bill 5.
According to Ramsey, an approximate number of homeless people in Lexington could be available as early as August 28.
A final report will be made available to the public by mid-September.
