Lexington’s Faith Leaders Unite for Homeless Families

In the heart of Lexington, a powerful call to action resonated at the Consolidated Baptist Church on a recent Thursday evening. Faith leaders, community advocates, and concerned citizens gathered to tackle an urgent issue facing many in the city: homelessness among families and children. As they sat together, the atmosphere buzzed with determination and hope, as they asked themselves: “What can we do to take care of our neighbors in the community?”

This pivotal question was posed by Stephanie Spires, a representative from Arbor Youth Services, an organization committed to ending youth homelessness. Arbor is the only emergency shelter for unaccompanied youth in central Kentucky, and the concern for the welfare of these vulnerable young people was palpable.

The need for support and action in Lexington has become increasingly pressing, especially in light of recent legislative changes like the Safer Kentucky Act. According to Ginny Ramsey, director of the Catholic Action Center, “The face of homelessness has changed in Lexington.” Rising rents and living costs have led to unprecedented numbers of families becoming unhoused, and the data backs her claim.

The FCPS McKinney-Vento program, designed to assist homeless students, reported nearly 1,100 homeless students in the last school year alone. As the new academic year approached, troubling signs indicated that the problem is far from solved. T.C. Johnson, who directs the McKinney-Vento program, revealed, “As of the seventh day of school, we have now identified 289 students who are currently displaced.”

Recognizing the magnitude of this issue, both school and faith leaders united in a spirit of collaboration, brainstorming solutions during the meeting. They agreed to form three action committees, each tasked with a specific focus to address the homelessness crisis:

• Long-Term Housing Solutions: This committee will explore affordable housing options and assess available land for future projects.
• Faith Community Engagement: They plan to bring the national movement “Yes, in God’s Backyard” to Lexington, encouraging faith communities to use their land—like church parking lots—for housing initiatives.
• Community Connectors: This group will focus on developing support networks with community members who can mentor and guide unhoused individuals and families to necessary resources and housing.

The multi-faceted approach aims to tackle homelessness in Lexington from different angles, hoping to create a robust safety net for families in need. As Spires eloquently stated, “To me, housing is the most basic need, and before a child can go to school and learn and have any opportunity, they need to have their basic needs met.”

Looking ahead, these committees are planning to meet throughout September. The next gathering is set for September 26, when they will reconvene to discuss the progress made and implement the action ideas that arise from their brainstorming sessions. The hope is that through collaboration and community commitment, tangible change can come to the lives of many Lexington residents.

The atmosphere during the meeting was filled with a sense of urgency, but also with a strong belief in the power of community. Faith leaders and advocates shared stories of families they had encountered, igniting both empathy and motivation among those present. As the discussions unfolded, it became clear that this wasn’t just about providing temporary solutions; it was about fostering a community where every family has the chance to secure stable housing and a better future.

While the challenge of homelessness is daunting, the resolve demonstrated by the faith community in Lexington serves as a reminder that when people come together with a common purpose, meaningful change is possible. The blend of commitment from various congregations, local organizations, and concerned citizens signals a promising future where a collective effort may indeed improve the circumstances for Lexington’s unhoused families.

This grassroots initiative to support the community is an encouraging shift, indicating that residents aren’t turning a blind eye to the challenges faced by their neighbors. Instead, they’re rolling up their sleeves and determining how best to unite their resources and talents to create lasting solutions.

The journey towards eradicating homelessness in Lexington is just beginning, but with faith leaders and community members ready to act, hope is on the horizon. The tangible steps towards action signify that this unified front may serve as a beacon of hope for many families in need.