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Rowan County Shelter Expecting High Demand in Cold Weather

Posted at 11:06 PM, Dec 05, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-06 07:31:47-05

MOREHEAD, KY (Lex 18) – It seems winter weather is here to stay in Kentucky, which means only one thing for Gateway House in Rowan County.

“When it starts getting cold, people need some place to go,” said Executive Director Marilyn Smith.

Just a few days into December, the transitional housing center is as busy as can be.

Smith said every bed in the building is full and there’s a waiting list full of others who want to spend the night. Soon, the high demand could create some logistical problems too.

“Winters are hard on us here at Gateway House because we will rapidly go through our supplies” Smith said.

With five counties to serve and and a cold forecast ahead, Smith said it’s likely many more people will need Gateway’s services.

The center used to fill that need with warming centers, but last year started something new. Instead, the center will take a person in need to a motel or other shelter on nights it gets below 20 degrees.

To qualify, the person has to live in Rowan, Morgan, Menifee, Bath, or Montgomery county. Persons in need can call the Gateway House during business hours or Morehead Police after hours to see if they qualify.

“Then they have access to our services because once they are there and we are aware of them, we can offer services and make sure they don’t spend another night out in the cold,” Smith said.

Gateway House hasn’t had to do that yet, but any day now mother nature will create the need.

You can make any donations of supplies or money to Gateway House’s location off Flemingsburg Road in Morehead. Smith said monetary donations are helpful for their rehousing efforts.