As I recently celebrated my second year as Executive Director at the Clark County Homeless Coalition, alongside marking my 34th year dedicated to social services, I found myself deeply reflecting on a year characterized by both formidable challenges and truly remarkable achievements. Our mission, at its core, is to facilitate life-changing transformations for individuals facing profound hardship. This vital work is made possible through the unwavering dedication of our staff, the essential funding secured from diverse government sources, and the steadfast support of a compassionate community that generously volunteers and contributes financially to our cause.

Despite the persistent and heartbreaking struggle with drug addiction, which tragically claimed the lives of two former clients this year, we remain committed to innovative solutions. Recognizing the profound impact of lived experience, we made a significant stride by hiring a Peer Support Specialist, a professional who has successfully navigated the complexities of addiction and recovery. This individual's specialized training, coupled with their personal journey, provides invaluable support to those currently battling addiction, fostering a sense of understanding and connection that traditional approaches may lack.

The recent passage of House Bill 5 (The Safer Kentucky Act) presents a significant challenge for our clients. A provision within the bill criminalizes homelessness, subjecting individuals residing in public spaces to arrest and fines, with repeat offenses leading to jail time. We believe this approach will exacerbate, not alleviate, the issue. Overcrowding our jails with homeless individuals does not address the root causes of homelessness. Conversely, we have seen proven success through affordable housing options and Permanent Supportive Housing programs.

This year, we achieved unprecedented success, a testament to the resilience and dedication of our team and the effectiveness of our programs. We served 100 individuals through our shelter and transitional housing programs, with an impressive 70% success rate in transitioning shelter clients to long-term housing, and a remarkable 100% success rate for those in our transitional housing program. Our outreach efforts extended across a five-county region, reaching over 600 individuals in need, while our Rapid Rehousing and Permanent Supportive Housing programs provided crucial stability to dozens of families and individuals.

A recent success story included Harry, a 72-year-old former coal miner, faced devastating circumstances when his adult children took his savings, leaving him homeless and living near a cemetery. Our outreach team provided immediate support, and we welcomed him into our shelter. During his two-month stay, we assisted him with food stamps, coordinated vital medical care following a heart attack, and provided intensive financial literacy training. Remarkably, Harry built a substantial savings account and moved into his own apartment this past Tuesday, a testament to his resilience and our comprehensive support.

Looking toward the future, we are filled with hope and anticipation. An incredibly generous anonymous donation, facilitated through the Bluegrass Community Foundation, will enable us to undertake a significant expansion of our shelter. This expansion will not only increase our capacity to serve those experiencing homelessness but also provide much-needed ADA-compliant facilities, ensuring accessibility for individuals with physical limitations. We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering generosity of our community, including our dedicated community partners who provide invaluable resources, and the individuals who contribute financially, enabling us to provide essential services to the most vulnerable members of our society. With continued collaboration, compassion, and support, we are confident that the future holds even greater promise for those we serve.

Steve Lenahan

CCHC Executive Director