Freezing temperatures impact the unhoused

Lexington, Ky (WTVQ): With ‘sub zero wind chills’ possible the next two nights, we’re checking in to see how those without a home are doing. John Welch is the coordinator for the New Life Day Center.

“We are kind of the last resort where we allow everyone in and we take care of everyone we possibly can,” said Welch.

He says this past weekend there was a couple suffering from frost bite and hypothermia. Welch says currently in Lexington there are more than 3,000 people unhoused, with hundreds being kids.

“A lot of them here they have a hard time getting access to these programs that are specifically for them,” he said.

Ginny Ramsey with the Catholic Action Center says a man was found dead in a truck on Sunday.

“This is the kind of temperature where there will be people found if they don’t have the proper equipment to keep them warm,” said Ramsey.

Ramsey says there’s more than 70 camps that they know of, “we’re not talking just a few people here and there. Or even the people that folks see. There is a lot of hidden homelessness here in Lexington. All over the state and all over the country.”

Many are afraid to go into shelters.

“There’s so many people who are coming from a place of brokenness that stops them from getting the help they need. But, they’re still out brothers and sisters and we need to take care of them,” said Ramsey.

If you want to help some of the items these organizations are looking for include wool socks, hand warmers, sleeping bags and shoes.