Boyle County agrees to reimburse portion of winter hotel‑voucher program for people experiencing homelessness

Boyle County’s fiscal court voted Nov. 25 to reimburse part of a winter hotel‑voucher program designed to shelter people experiencing homelessness during cold weather.

Bryce Gibson, the county’s harm‑reduction and homeless coordinator, told the court the voucher program will begin Dec. 1 and run through March 31, activating when the forecasted temperature hits 28 degrees. Gibson said vouchers will not be issued on nights when warming centers are open. To track outcomes and root causes, Gibson said clients must complete an intake of 43 questions before receiving a voucher. The program is run through the Boyle County Homeless Coalition and relies on fundraising and partner donations; Gibson said the county health department cannot contribute this year.

During discussion, commissioners and others asked about capacity, hotel rates and pet fees. Gibson said the county has been finding rooms in the $70–$100 per night range and that pet fees (about $10) are charged separately. He also said a recovery community center known as “the Bridge” will have a Dec. 2 move‑in date and will provide case management and occasional insurance‑enrollment assistance.

A magistrate moved that the county commit funds to reimburse half of the shortfall for the voucher program, a sum discussed in the meeting as $8,800. The court approved the motion by voice vote and the court said the coalition should invoice the county for reimbursement as vouchers are used.

Court members urged continued outreach to faith groups, cities and other local partners to expand support for the effort. The judge and several magistrates noted the need to coordinate with the city and other municipalities if additional funds are required.

The program’s operator will provide invoices to the county for reimbursement; the court did not adopt a separate ordinance or permanent budget line and treated this as a current‑year reimbursement arrangement.