One of Lexington’s longest running homelessness programs has taken various steps to prevent coronavirus among its hundreds of clients. Hope Center Volunteer Coordinator Carey Cairo said steps were taken to separate men out in additional emergency housing areas.
Also Cairo said there’s been a significant drop in the number of men staying at the Louden Avenue shelter. “It’s around 120, 125 men who are sleeping there. Usually that’s at least 200. So, we have seen a dip and that’s understandable. A lot of people felt that is was safer to stay outside,” explained Cairo.
Cairo said the total number of people sheltered in both men’s and women’s recovery through the Hope Center program typically tallies around 800. She added that number is closer to 600 right now, but with current economic uncertainties, the number of homeless in Lexington is likely to rise.
While on-site volunteer services have been suspended, Cairo said there are still opportunities for people to help with donations. She noted that includes some 100 to 150 sack lunches a day for the Hope Mobile which travels throughout the community.
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