Lexington, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Lexington is set to establish a temporary homeless shelter at 1306 Versailles Road to accommodate up to 214 individuals from November 1 to April 1. This initiative addresses a 32% rise in homelessness since 2020, with contracts worth $2.5 million approved by the Urban County Council. Concerns have been raised about pedestrian safety and communication with local residents, but the council is moving forward with the plans to address the urgent need for winter shelters.
Lexington is planning to establish a temporary homeless shelter on city-owned property located at 1306 Versailles Road, near the intersection of Versailles and Red Mile roads. This initiative aims to provide accommodation for up to 214 individuals experiencing homelessness from November 1 to April 1, addressing an alarming increase in the homeless population in the area.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council has made significant headway in the advancement of this project by voting to endorse two contracts valued at approximately $2.5 million with EDS Holdco LLC. These contracts will cover the construction of the shelter and related operational services. A final vote on the contract is set for September 18, which will determine the shelter’s progression.
The decision to build the temporary shelter comes in response to a 32% rise in Lexington’s homeless population since 2020. City officials note that this surge underscores the urgent need for additional winter shelter facilities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable community members during the colder months.
Concerns regarding the location of the proposed shelter have been voiced by various community members and officials. Former Councilwoman Peggy Henson has raised issues regarding pedestrian safety, highlighting the risk presented by inadequate sidewalks in the area. Former Councilman Richard Moloney has also expressed discontent with the lack of communication with local residents about the shelter’s plans, emphasizing that the region already hosts several service providers, including Chrysalis House and the Hope Center for Women.
Furthermore, an apartment owner in proximity to the proposed site indicated concerns about access to the shelter along Nancy Hanks Road, which lacks sidewalks. This situation could necessitate residents walking through private property to reach the shelter, raising additional community tensions.
Despite these challenges, Commissioner Charlie Lanter stated that officials assessed over 30 potential locations for the shelter but concluded that none were ideal. The city’s history with temporary shelters has also been marked by difficulties, including complaints from nearby residents and financial losses tied to unsupervised hotel stays. As the council continues discussing the shelter’s location and its implications, Councilwoman Jennifer Reynolds articulated her opposition to the site, referencing the presence of existing service providers. She noted that she only recently became aware of the plans and had requested to halt the discussion. However, the council voted overwhelmingly to proceed with the plans to advance the temporary shelter.
This proposed shelter, if approved, aims not only to provide essential services to a growing homeless population but also to address the logistical and community relations challenges that accompany such a facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the temporary homeless shelter in Lexington?
The shelter aims to accommodate up to 214 homeless individuals from November 1 to April 1 in response to a 32% increase in the city’s homeless population since 2020.
Why was there a need for a temporary homeless shelter?
The increase in the homeless population and the upcoming winter months have necessitated additional shelter space to ensure the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals.
What is the estimated cost of the shelter construction?
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council has voted to advance contracts totaling approximately $2.5 million for the construction and related services of the shelter.
When will the final vote on the contract take place?
A final vote on the contract regarding the shelter’s establishment is scheduled for September 18.
What concerns have community members raised regarding the shelter’s location?
Concerns include pedestrian safety, lack of sidewalks, access issues, and the presence of existing service providers in the area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington Expands Hope Center with New Transitional Housing Units
Lexington Faces Growing Homelessness Crisis and Calls for Action
Lexington Faces Growing Homelessness Crisis Amid Pandemic Challenges
Lexington Activates Phase One of Extreme Heat Plan
President Trump Intensifies Measures Against Homeless Encampments
Lexington Prepares for Heat Wave with Emergency Plan
Lexington’s Homelessness Crisis Demands Urgent Solutions
Lexington Mayor Announces Task Force to Fight Homelessness
University of Kentucky Students Volunteer at Free Clinic for Homeless
Lexington’s Hope Center Expands to Serve Homeless Population
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Temporary Homeless Shelter in Lexington
- LEX18: Conditions at Emergency Shelter
- WKYT: Study on Permanent Homeless Shelter in Lexington
- WISTV: Lexington County Hotel for Housing
- The State: Local News on Homelessness
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- Google Search: Homeless Shelters in Lexington Kentucky
- Google Scholar: Homelessness Solutions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homelessness
- Google News: Lexington Homeless Shelter
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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