A winter plan developed by a number of social service, government, and community agencies to address homelessness issues in Lexington has been finalized. Work began on the plan in August.
A winter plan to help the homeless with shelter and services is created annually, but pandemic related restrictions made the task even taller this year. Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention Director Polly Ruddick says more auxiliary space will likely be required this winter. “I think every single shelter we have except with the exception of Salvation Army, will expand into another location,” said Ruddick.
Ruddick said it’s important those without homes know their options. She added it’s hard to predict what will happen in early 2021 as it relates to possible evictions. And there is continuing uncertainty when it comes to the winter months. “They could make a vaccine announcement tomorrow. We may not see a vaccine until next summer. We may have a mild winter. We may have a seriously cold, like, there’s so many unknowns,” explained Ruddick.
Ruddick said the Lexington area has typically seen on any given night during the winter between 600 and 700 homeless.
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