Lexington’s Annual Survey of the Homeless: A Step Towards Understanding

In the heart of Lexington, Kentucky, a wave of compassion is sweeping through the streets as volunteers gear up for the city’s second-annual “Street Count and Survey.” This initiative, taking place on a Wednesday morning, is not just about gathering numbers; it’s about recognizing the humanity of those without shelter.

Organized by a collaboration of local groups including the Central Kentucky Housing and Homeless Initiative, the Catholic Action Center, and the Street Voice Council, the survey aims to spot and interview individuals who are experiencing homelessness. It runs from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m., with the results set to be released in September.

Ginny Ramsey, the Director and Co-Founder of the Catholic Action Center, shared her thoughts on the purpose behind the survey. “This is more than just counting. It’s about showing these individuals that they count,” she said. “They want to tell their stories. They want someone to hear them. Today is about dignity, respect, and information. How can we plan for the winter if we don’t know how many people are unhoused?”

The volunteers will not only be conducting interviews on the streets but will also collect important reports from local hospitals, recovery centers, housing programs, and schools. This comprehensive approach will paint a more accurate picture of homelessness in Lexington, extending beyond just those sleeping on the streets.

This year, the survey also takes into account individuals in ***unstable housing situations***, such as those living in hotels or those who have recently been hospitalized. Ramsey pointed out the unique challenges they face this year due to the new Safer Kentucky Act, which has led to increased citations and arrests around the city. “Our folks are hiding, and I don’t blame them. We’re gonna stand with them and work with our legislators to see if there can be changes made in that House Bill 5,” she added.

The anxiety over increased law enforcement is palpable among those experiencing homelessness. Many are retreating from plain view, making the survey efforts more challenging. To navigate this tricky situation, the Street Voice Council—a group of individuals, some of whom are unhoused themselves—will assist volunteers in connecting with those who might otherwise remain hidden. Greg Searight, a member of the council, shared his heartfelt sentiments, stating, “People look at the homeless as a disease, but we are not a disease. We are human beings. We hurt. We have hearts. We feel. We cry. Stop looking down on us. All we need is a little help.”

The energy on the streets reflects a sincere commitment to change and understanding. Amidst the hustle and bustle of a normal day in Lexington, volunteers armed with clipboards, pens, and an empathetic attitude moved through neighborhoods, making connections, and listening intently to the stories of individuals living without a permanent home.

Interestingly, the discussion around homelessness in Lexington is becoming increasingly vital, as community leaders and supporters are eager to understand the scope of the issue. As the city grows and changes, the importance of properly addressing the needs of the unhoused population can’t be overstated. The data gathered from the survey will provide crucial insights for planning and resource allocation as winter approaches.

The overall sentiment is clear: understanding leads to progress. The people of Lexington are coming together to provide a listening ear, placing importance on giving homeless individuals a platform to share their experiences. Volunteers are determined to showcase that every person matters and every story deserves to be told.

As the long day of surveying continues, the organizers and volunteers are hopeful for genuine input from the community, emphasizing the human element behind the statistics. Their compassion shines through, reminding us all that homelessness isn’t just a statistic but a complex human issue intertwined with stories, struggles, and dreams.

Looking forward, the results from this survey will hopefully catalyze more initiatives, discussions, and solutions. The promise of a more comprehensive response to homelessness in Lexington could be just around the corner, as volunteers brave the elements and barriers to bring light to this pressing issue. Together, they aim to shed light on a topic that deeply affects our community, proving that even in a city bustling with life, those who are without a roof overhead deserve to be seen, heard, and counted.

As the survey day concludes, the volunteers will not only carry with them a wealth of information but also the stories of resilience and hope shared by the people they met. Without a doubt, the upcoming September release of the survey results will be a pivotal moment for Lexington in its ongoing battle against homelessness.