Jessamine County Emergency Shelter Seeks Local Support for Survival
In the heart of Nicholasville, Kentucky, community generosity has kept the doors of the Jessamine County Homeless Coalition open for eight years. Serving hot meals daily to those in need, the shelter has become a beacon of hope for the less fortunate. However, due to escalating operational costs and an unexpected financial setback, this vital community resource now faces the threat of closure.
More than Just a Shelter
A testament to the shelter’s transformative impact is April McCubbins. Once a homeless individual for three years, she sought refuge here in 2017 and gradually reformed her life. Today, McCubbins is the shelter’s Operations Director and an example of the second chances the facility is committed to offering.
McCubbins attributes her turnaround to the shelter: “It provided me a safe space to sleep every night, a place to store my few possessions, and an opportunity to alter the direction of my life.” Many testimonies echo McCubbin’s transformation, instilling urgency to keep this invaluable shelter afloat.
A Glimpse into the Financial Struggle
Providing two main services—an emergency stay and a 90-day case management program—the shelter also offers laundry, meals, and showers to those in need. However, according to the shelter’s Executive Director, Johnny Templin, monthly operating costs have peaked at an intimidating $6,000. Compounding their financial strain was a botched expansion attempt on Broadway Street. The property, unfortunately, was discovered to be contaminated post-purchase, leaving the coalition in a pool of debt.
“We did our best, but it was a case of bad luck. We indeed ran up a debt,” explains Templin. Without sufficient funding, the shelter is projected to shut down in about six weeks, an unimaginable outcome for many depending on the center.
The Devastating Reality without the Shelter
Templin paints a grim picture of what Jessamine County might look like without the shelter: “People would be sleeping in church doorways, behind business docks, typically in unsafe environments both for the property owner, the manager, and the person.” Similarly, McCubbin elaborated on the shelter’s crucial role, stating, “A lot of homeless people stay awake at night to prevent being victimized or ending up in jail.”
The urgency for community intervention cannot be overstated. Donations can tip the shelter’s scales from potential closure to continued operation. “A shelter enables people to reintegrate into society and move towards becoming productive members. Everyone should have access to such a facility,” professes McCubbin.
How to Help
For those who wish to contribute to this life-changing initiative, you can visit www.JCHCKY.org to learn more about the shelter and how to donate.