RICHMOND, Ky. (LEX 18) — Madison Home, Inc. has filed legal action against the City of Richmond after officials denied the organization's annual approval to operate its overnight winter shelter, leaving Madison County without a viable shelter option as temperatures drop.
According to a press release, the denial came just weeks before winter, based on the absence of a modern sprinkler system in Madison Home's historic building. The organization argues this requirement didn't exist when the building was originally constructed as Gibson Hospital and points to years of safe operation under prior city approvals.
"Since 2022, we have opened as an emergency shelter for those in need," said Mollie Zanghi, the shelter's supervisor. "We've functioned all this time with that not being a problem, and now all of a sudden it is. It doesn't really make any sense."
For decades, Madison Home says it has served Madison County's most vulnerable residents, operating its overnight winter shelter from December 15 through March 15 with annual city approvals. The building has consistently passed fire safety inspections, contains working fire escapes on every floor, and has complied with all safety requirements previously imposed by the city.
Madison Home staff emphasized their commitment to safety protocols.
"I helped with the placement of fire extinguishers on every floor. There are fire alarms in every room. There are carbon dioxide detectors," Zanghi said. "I took three of our homeless friends, and I did a fire drill personally myself, and it took 43 seconds to exit this building."
"This decision leaves Madison County without a viable overnight shelter option at the most dangerous time of year," said Michael Frazier, chair of the board of Madison Home. "With temperatures dropping and no alternative plan in place, our board had a legal and moral obligation to act."
The impact on vulnerable residents has been immediate and concerning.
"I'm saddened by the city of Richmond that this is an issue in 2025.We've had homeless camps and stuff like that which have been torn down, so this is the only thing that we can do without being arrested,” Constance Gatewood, who’s used the shelters facilities in the past, said.
When asked what people will do now, Gatewood painted a stark picture: "I mean, this is what people tell me — they're putting tents behind stores. They're just sleeping on benches, but there's nothing else for them to do."
The personal nature of the crisis weighs heavily on those involved.
"It really bothers me that the people that get to make these decisions for them go home to a warm bed," Zanghi added.
According to the release, Madison Home believes the city's decision is incorrect and inconsistent with prior approvals and applicable standards. The organization has retained counsel and filed suit seeking injunctive relief to allow the shelter to operate while the matter is resolved.
While the legal process moves forward, Madison Home says it has implemented a temporary plan to ensure continuity of care. Beginning December 15, guests will continue checking in at Madison Home between 6 and 7 p.m., with dinner served at 7 p.m. After dinner, guests will be transported to the Masjid Center for overnight shelter, where Madison Home staff will remain present throughout the night. Each morning at 8 a.m., guests will return to Madison Home for meals, showers, laundry, clothing, and essential daytime services.
Right now, Madison Home emphasized that it receives no government funding, though it has in years past. Private donations fully pay for its building, and individuals, churches, volunteers, and community partners support all operations, according to the release.
"We respect the City of Richmond and value our relationships with local leaders," Frazier said. "However, when there is an immediate risk to human life and no other shelter available, inaction is not an option. We remain hopeful that a constructive resolution can be reached, but our first responsibility is to the people we serve."
According to the release, from December 15 through March 15, Madison Home is seeking volunteers each evening from 6 to 8 p.m. to assist with guest check-in, meal service, and care closet support. Community members interested in volunteering can visit the organization's website or email contact@madisonhome.org.
Madison Home says it remains committed to working with city and county partners to develop long-term solutions that remove barriers to providing shelter and ensure no one in Madison County is left without help.
The City of Richmond, Kentucky City Manager Rob Minerich released a statement following the lawsuit's filing.
“The city of Richmond has been a partner supporting services and shelter for the unhoused since the inception of the Room in the Inn (RITI) program. The city has provided volunteers, office space for processing, hotel room vouchers, and has also invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in Madison Home with the understanding they would bring the building at 105 Fifth Street up to state building code. The city even provided engineering and architecture drawings to give Madison Home direction on the needed improvements to meet the state building code.”
