Lexington, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Lexington has reported a 5.5% decrease in homelessness according to the final results of its recent homeless street survey, which recorded 2,868 individuals. Experts attribute the decline partly to the effects of the Safer Kentucky Act, which criminalizes sleeping or camping in public spaces, making it challenging for officials to identify and assist those affected by homelessness. While some advocate for the act, others claim it exacerbates homelessness issues, raising concerns about support for vulnerable populations as issues surrounding the matter intensify.
Lexington has reported a decrease in homelessness according to the final results of its 2025 homeless street survey. The survey, which recorded a total of 2,868 individuals experiencing homelessness, marks a reduction of 5.5% from the previous year. This shift comes amidst the implementation of the Safer Kentucky Act, which has reportedly made it more difficult to identify and assist individuals experiencing homelessness.
Experts, including Jarred Paull from the Central Kentucky Housing & Homeless Initiative, suggest that the decline in recorded homelessness is partly due to individuals seeking to remain undetected. Many are choosing to hide to avoid potential arrests, as the Safer Kentucky Act makes it illegal to sleep or camp in public spaces. This law, which took effect on July 15, 2024, has resulted in more than 400 charges for unlawful camping across Kentucky, with a significant number of these charges occurring in Jefferson County. Early data indicates that 61 individuals faced such charges through early July 2025, and many individuals were additionally charged with related offenses.
The recent survey, conducted in August 2025, involved nearly 700 interviews facilitated by members of the Street Voice Council, the Catholic Action Center, and the Central Kentucky Housing & Homeless Initiative. Among the findings, 223 individuals reported harassment for sleeping outdoors, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by this vulnerable population.
Advocacy groups are critical of the Safer Kentucky Act, arguing that it criminalizes homelessness instead of providing necessary support. Tony Fogle from Kentuckians for the Commonwealth pointed out that the law exacerbates the challenges of securing housing for those experiencing homelessness and creates additional barriers to accessing services. Despite this criticism, some supporters argue that the act has reduced complaints related to homeless encampments and has shifted some individuals towards rehabilitation programs.
Gregory Seawright, a member of the Street Voice Council, shared insights into the harsh realities of homelessness and expressed hope that the survey’s findings will spur the development of more shelters to aid those in need. Ginny Ramsey from the Catholic Action Center noted that homelessness impacts various demographics, including families, children, the elderly, and disabled individuals, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address this issue.
The statistical data from the survey reveal the complexities surrounding the topic of homelessness and suggest that while there has been a documented decrease in numbers, significant obstacles remain. The discussions surrounding the Safer Kentucky Act continue, signifying the importance of dialogue about how best to support those who find themselves without shelter.
Background on the Safer Kentucky Act
The Safer Kentucky Act, enacted in 2024, redefined the legal landscape for individuals experiencing homelessness in Kentucky. Supporters of the act argue that it has effectively managed issues related to public spaces, while opponents assert that it has further marginalized and criminalized a demographic already facing significant challenges. The tension surrounding this legislation forms a critical backdrop to the ongoing discourse about homelessness in Lexington and beyond.
Key Survey Findings
- Total number of homeless individuals: 2,868
- Percent decrease from 2024: 5.5%
- Number of people harassed for sleeping outside: 223
- Number of surveys completed: 700
- Charges under the Safer Kentucky Act: Over 400
FAQs
What is the Safer Kentucky Act?
The Safer Kentucky Act, which came into effect in July 2024, criminalizes the act of sleeping or camping in public areas, aiming to manage issues associated with homeless encampments.
How many people were surveyed in the 2025 homeless street survey?
Nearly 700 surveys were completed by participants from various local organizations, reflecting the experiences of the homeless population in Lexington.
What demographics are affected by homelessness, according to the survey?
The survey indicated that homelessness affects a wide range of demographics, including families, children, the elderly, and disabled individuals.
What were the main findings of the 2025 homeless street survey?
The 2025 survey showed a decrease in homelessness but also highlighted challenges such as harassment faced by those sleeping outside and the impact of the Safer Kentucky Act on the homeless community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington Reports Decrease in Homelessness Amid Ongoing Challenges
Lexington Faces Growing Homelessness Crisis and Calls for Action
Lexington Faces Growing Homelessness Crisis Amid Pandemic Challenges
Construction Begins on New Student Housing Complex MXWL
Construction Begins on New Student Housing MXWL in Lexington
California Takes Action to Address Housing Shortage
Lexington’s Homelessness Crisis Demands Urgent Solutions
Meadowthorpe Elementary School Recognized as Top Performer in Kentucky
Children’s Dental Health Crisis in Kentucky: Are We Doing Enough?
Lexington Faces Alarming Increase in Homelessness
Additional Resources
- Lex18
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- Fox 56 News
- Google Search: Safer Kentucky Act
- WKYT
- Google Scholar: homelessness law Kentucky
- Kentucky.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homelessness
- Spectrum News 1
- Google News: homelessness Kentucky
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.
