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Council hears proposals after study showing rising homelessness; mayor to form task force
Summary
A consultantstudy and extensive public comment highlighted a jump in Lexington's homeless population and a gap in shelter capacity. Mayor led announcement that a mayor's task force on homelessness will begin work this fall; city staff and providers urged creation of low-barrier shelter and service hub.
A consultant presented the Lexington Emergency Shelter Study of 2025 on June 3, telling the Lexington Fayette Urban County Council the city—s homeless population has risen sharply and shelter capacity is insufficient. "From 2023 to 2025, it's increased 13%," said Ed Holmes, the consultant who led the study, and "the homeless population has increased since 2020 by 34%," he added.
The study, and more than an hour of public comment by service providers and residents, framed the shortage as both an immediate public-safety and public-health issue and a long-term housing challenge. "We don't have enough beds," said Abby Latimer, a palliative social worker and assistant professor, urging the council to support "a safe, accessible, and supportive campus that includes a low-barrier shelter." Other speakers representing shelters, outreach programs and advocacy groups described barriers faced by older adults, people with disabilities, families, LGBTQ people and people with pets.
Why it matters: presenters and providers said repeated reliance on temporary winter shelter and hotel…
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