Addressing the epidemic of homelessness in Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Mayor Linda Gorton’s new Homelessness Task Force met for the first time Wednesday afternoon to begin developing solutions to Lexington’s growing homelessness crisis.

The task force, made up of city leaders and community advocates, is reviewing strategies used in other cities and drawing on insights from the city’s 2025 Emergency Shelter Study, which found that many Lexington families still lack access to adequate shelter.

According to advocates, homelessness in Lexington has risen by 34% since before the pandemic — the largest increase the city has seen in years.

Ginny Ramsey, co-founder of the Catholic Action Center and a member of the task force, said the shortage of shelter beds is one of the most pressing concerns.

“We are 350 to 500 shelter beds short, and I’m pleased that the mayor took action,” Ramsey said. “There are a lot of people left on our streets suffering in the cold and heat. Our whole community needs to respond because all of the shelters are full.”

Ramsey, who has worked with Lexington’s unhoused population for more than two decades, said she hopes the task force will identify both short- and long-term solutions that reflect the city’s specific needs.

“It’ll take time, but I do believe it will be a giant step forward in solving the suffering that’s been left on our streets,” she said.

The task force’s meeting was open to the public, with city officials encouraging residents to share feedback and ideas.