Council approves cooperative agreement to give Hope House parking on city lot for expanded child advocacy services

The Covington City Council on Feb. 4 authorized the mayor to enter a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Children—s Advocacy Center Hope House to allow use of part of Lot 8, Square 2702 for parking tied to an expansion of Hope House—s facility.

Chairman Ferrett (speaker identified in the transcript as the sponsor) summarized that Hope House has purchased property adjacent to its existing facility on Eighth Avenue and seeks to construct an approximately 2,000-square-foot extension to facilitate dual forensic interviews. Thomas Mitchell, identified himself as executive director of HOPE House, told the council the center—s caseload has increased "significantly within the 22nd Judicial District." He said the center had 22 forensic interview appointments in the coming week and that Hope House conducted 525 forensic interviews in 2024, up from 287 in 2017.

Mitchell said the additional space would allow the center to accommodate multiple interviews and to provide dedicated law-enforcement parking in the rear, which he said would benefit agencies including Covington Police Department and the FBI when they bring children for interviews. He emphasized that Hope House provides trauma-informed services and that post-interview counseling is provided free.

The council voted by roll call to authorize the cooperative endeavor agreement. The resolution text specifies that the city parcel will be used for law-enforcement parking only and that all costs for clearing, gravel or paving will be borne by Hope House.

The city did not specify a timeline for the construction or for when parking will be available; Hope House representatives said the expansion responds to growing demand for forensic interviews and follow-up therapy.