News Summary
As homelessness increases in Lexington, Terineka Cannon shares her harrowing journey, including a month spent in jail due to her lack of shelter. With a surge in the homeless population by 30%, the community must address this urgent issue. Advocates raise concerns over the recent Safer Kentucky Act, which allows arrests for sleeping in public. Terineka’s story is a call to action for increased support and systemic change to aid those in need.
Lexington Woman Sheds Light on the Harsh Reality of Homelessness
In the heart of Lexington, a troubling situation continues to plague many residents as homelessness rises steadily. With a staggering increase in the number of individuals struggling to find shelter, the community faces real challenges that demand urgent attention. One local woman, Terineka Cannon, is emerging as a voice for the voiceless, sharing her personal struggle after spending 30 days in jail because of her situation.
A Tough Journey
Terineka has been unhoused since last June, and during this time, she has felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. However, she insists that her past struggles do not define who she is. Despite facing significant hardships, her resilient spirit shines through. One of the most painful aspects of her journey is not being able to see her 3-year-old son, Glorious, since last summer. She longs to regain custody of him and is determined to improve her life in the process.
Behind Bars for Being Homeless
Can you imagine being arrested for simply not having a roof over your head? That was the unfortunate reality for Terineka when she was charged with third-degree criminal trespassing. During a particularly cold snap, she and her son’s father sought shelter in a heated carport. Unfortunately, the police woke them up early in the morning and, rather than offering assistance, they charged Terineka simply for trying to find warmth.
A Law That Disregards the Unhoused
Compounding the problem is the recently enacted House Bill 5, also known as the Safer Kentucky Act. This law not only allows police to arrest individuals for sleeping on the streets, but it has raised serious concerns about its impact on the already vulnerable homeless population. Advocates argue that the law was intended for broader criminal justice reform, yet it imposes a heavy burden on people in desperate circumstances like Terineka’s.
Homelessness on the Rise
The numbers are startling. Recent surveys indicate almost a 30% increase in homelessness in Lexington. In 2024 alone, the homeless population in the city rose to 825 individuals, reflecting a modest but troubling 1.2% increase from the previous year. Across Kentucky, homelessness has surged 9.8% compared to 2023, resulting in 5,231 individuals counted as homeless throughout the state. These figures point to a growing crisis that needs immediate intervention.
Impact on Families and Seniors
One particularly alarming trend is the increasing number of families unable to afford housing. This has led to a substantial rise in the number of children living in shelters. Alongside this, there is a concerning growth in the number of individuals over 60 finding themselves on the streets. Such developments highlight that homelessness does not just affect single adults; entire families and the elderly are now caught in this unfortunate web.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 56 News: Community Organizers Seeking Volunteers
- Wikipedia: Homelessness
- Spectrum News 1: Homelessness Rising in Lexington
- Google Search: Homelessness in Kentucky
- KSNB Local 4: Crossroads Mission Avenue Awarded Funds
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homelessness
- LEX 18: Homelessness in Lexington – A Bleak Situation
- Google News: Kentucky Homelessness
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
