Lexington, KY, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Lexington is grappling with a homelessness crisis as the number of unhoused individuals reaches 925, prompting demands for 500 new shelter beds. With a 34% increase in homelessness since 2020, city officials are responding by opening a temporary winter shelter with 216 beds, emphasizing the need for both immediate and long-term housing solutions. The establishment of a task force on homelessness aims to address these critical issues, while concerns grow regarding potential federal funding cuts due to a looming government shutdown.
Lexington is facing a critical homelessness crisis as the number of individuals without housing reaches 925, prompting city officials to call for the addition of about 500 new shelter beds to adequately address the rising demand. Recent studies highlight that the local homelessness rate has surged by 34% since 2020, with the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic playing a significant role in this upward trend.
According to Charlie Lanter, the commissioner of housing advocacy and community development, Lexington has not expanded its shelter capacity in years, highlighting a growing issue within the community. Notably, the current homeless population has diversified, now encompassing a notable number of single parents with children and those experiencing situational homelessness…