LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18)– Anticipating the coldest temperatures yet this winter, the Hope Center has activated its winter weather policy for the Men’s Emergency Shelter. It acted in concert with the city, which implements its winter weather plan when temperatures dip below 32 degrees.
Among other things, the Hope Center:
- Deploys its Cold Patrol, where street outreach caseworkers go out on the streets and to homeless camps to encourage residents to come into the Emergency Shelter for help. The HopeMobile, which parks at area churches, and the street outreach caseworkers also provide information and referrals to local shelters and other services to assist the homeless community.
- Increases the number of men who stay overnight at the shelter. No one is turned away. Overnight numbers rise dramatically during bad winter weather – rising from an average of 180 men per night to 250 to 260 per night at its location at 360 W. Loudon Ave.
- Partners with area churches to accommodate any overflow. The Hope Center staff drive the men to these churches, and one staff member remains overnight at the church.
With an increase in clients of up to 40 percent, the Hope Center is asking the community to donate hats, gloves, jackets, sweatshirts, scarves, and blankets. These can be dropped off at the Men’s Emergency Shelter at 360 W. Loudon Ave.
The Men’s Emergency Shelter operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Each month on average, the Shelter provides 6,000 nights of lodging and the Jacobs Hope Cafeteria serves 12,000 meals.
