Lexington area realtors are joining city officials in helping homeless persons move into permanent housing. A national grant of $15,000 is making it possible.
The grant from the National Association of Realtors’ was awarded to the Lexington-Bluegrass Association of Realtors for deposits and first month’s rent for up to 15 households.
Lexington-Bluegrass Association of Realtors President Carl Tackett hopes the group can offer more assistance in the future. “I have a nephew who’s homeless,” said Tackett. “So, I see it firsthand. If the realtor community can help, then that’s what we’re doing.”
The New Life Day Center, a one stop shelter with services for homeless, will administer the fund. Founder Steve Polston says those interested in a rent deposit are expected to get and hold a job for at least a month. “We’re not interested in helping people that will refuse to help themselves. You’ve got to decide, if you help people that won’t help themselves, you’ll wind up helping no one,” said Polston.
The city’s Director of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention, Charlie Lanter says the program has already housed 83 people in nine months, spending an average of $250 dollars per household. He’s hoping other private groups will come forward with financial support to help the homeless.?
