Lexington activates Emergency Winter Weather Plan through Monday

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention has activated Lexington’s Emergency Winter Weather Plan as extreme cold temperatures move into the area.

Officials say the plan will be in effect beginning Thursday evening, Dec. 18, and will continue through Monday morning, Dec. 22. The Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention says forecasts will be closely monitored and updates will be issued as conditions change.

The Emergency Winter Weather Plan provides a coordinated community response when dangerously cold weather increases the immediate need for shelter and services for people experiencing homelessness. Officials note that extreme temperatures often prompt individuals to seek shelter who may not otherwise do so.

Under the plan’s activation, emergency shelters will operate with expanded capacity and relaxed restrictions. Lextran will provide free fixed-route bus rides to shelters, and outreach teams will increase efforts to notify individuals about the weather conditions and help connect them with available shelter options.

Officials also highlighted a temporary winter shelter located at 1306 Versailles Road, which adds 216 additional beds for adult men and women. The shelter is operating from Nov. 15, 2025, through April 1, 2026.

Access to the shelter is available only from Versailles Road. No entrance is permitted from Nancy Hanks Boulevard. Signage along Versailles Road will direct individuals to the correct entrance.

For pedestrian safety, a fenced walkway has been established to guide residents to the shelter’s intake area. Resident vehicles should be parked in the front lot of the LFUCG property. Officials warn against parking on private property, as vehicles may be subject to towing.

Daily check-ins are available from noon until 10 p.m.

City officials strongly encourage service providers and prospective shelter residents to review the full Emergency Winter Weather Plan in advance to become familiar with rules and requirements.