Nicholasville, Ky. — The Safer Kentucky Act, which came into effect earlier this year, has raised concerns about its impact on the homeless population in the area. This legislation criminalizes unauthorized camp sites, which directly affects individuals experiencing homelessness. April McCubbins, operations director at the Jessamine County Homeless Coalition, stresses the importance of empathy, explaining, “Nobody should be looked down upon, when they’re trying.”
McCubbins, who once faced homelessness herself, recalls the difficulties of finding safe shelter. She reminisces about a decade ago when she was living in Lexington and faced precarious living conditions. “House Bill 5 would have forced me into a situation where I was on the street all day and then fighting for a bed at a shelter,” she stated.
The Jessamine County Homeless Coalition offers temporary shelter for up to 90 days, but space is limited, leaving some individuals with few options. Executive director Johnny Templin reported a concerning trend, showing a potential living space in a tunnel running beneath downtown Nicholasville. He expressed alarm, saying, “That’s a human, that’s one of us. They might pass away in the elements of it, not to mention debris and everything else like that.”
As people seek alternative places to stay, Templin urges lawmakers to consider more humane solutions. He suggests designating specific areas as “sleep-safe zones,” complete with lights and sanitation facilities, particularly during nighttime hours. “Couldn’t we have forced a city to designate an area, a basketball court, with a port-a-potty and a light as a sleep-safe zone in between midnight and 6:00 a.m.?” he questioned.
McCubbins further highlights the challenges faced by the homeless in securing employment. Lack of a permanent address and reliable communication, such as a phone, complicate job searches. “Number one I didn’t have an address, number two I very rarely had a phone when I was on the street,” she noted. She emphasized how an extended criminal record could hinder their chances of reintegration into society.
Reflecting on past experiences, McCubbins shared the stigma associated with being homeless. “And getting sneered at or the lip turned up or take five steps the other way – whatever,” she remembered, noting the painful reality that persists even today. She firmly believes in the need for a supportive community, stating, “You can’t do that if you’re busy hiding them in storm drains, or putting them in a car and driving them across the county line for somebody else to take care of.”
This situation in Nicholasville raises critical questions about how communities can combat homelessness while ensuring the dignity and safety of their most vulnerable members. As the Safer Kentucky Act continues to unfold, advocates are calling for dialogue and a re-evaluation of policies affecting the homeless population.
