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2019 LexCount Will Include Outreach Effort For City’s Homeless Population

Posted at 10:09 AM, Jan 30, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-30 10:09:54-05

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) – As part of the 2019 LexCount happening Wednesday, the Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention is teaming up with community partners to provide shelter and care packages for those individuals experiencing homelessness in Fayette County.

LexCount is an annual count of homeless individuals and families in Fayette County that helps measure the effectiveness of City services and how to best funnel future funding and services to aid the area’s homeless population.

In consideration of predicted temperatures, the OHPI will also use LexCount as an opportunity to engage unsheltered persons in targeted outreach. Volunteer recruitment efforts have been expanded in attempt to better identify those residing outdoors and assist them in accessing emergency shelter amid extreme winter weather.

Over 100 volunteers comprised of citizens, community providers, individuals who were formerly homeless and people who are currently homeless will all help in conducting LexCount.

Several local businesses and organizations have rallied together to help support volunteers and provide assistance for the homeless overnight. Food and beverage donations will be provided courtesy of Ranada’s Bistro and Bar, Parlay Social, and Soundbar. Care packages for those experiencing homelessness have been made possible by private citizens, Community Action Council, Lexington Rescue Mission, WellCare Health Plans, Humana Care Source, Passport Health, Aetna Health, and Grace Fellowship Church.

Last year, 685 individuals were counted as part of LexCount.  Of those counted, 23 were unsheltered. No children were found living unsheltered. The 2018 count was a 55 percent decrease in homelessness since this same count occurred in January 2014. OHPI was created in April 2014.

For more information the Office of Homelessness Prevention & Intervention, visit lexingtonky.gov/ohpi.