Lexington task force created to tackle homelessness

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — With homelessness in Lexington up 34% since 2020, Mayor Linda Gorton is forming a new task force to address the city’s growing need for shelter space.

According to a recent study, 925 people in Lexington are currently unhoused. Mayor Gorton said the city can no longer rely solely on short-term winter shelters and must find a permanent, cost-effective solution.

The newly announced task force will begin meeting this fall to review the study’s recommendations. One option under consideration is a “low barrier” shelter model that would offer access to mental health and addiction recovery services.

Officials say the task force will aim to develop long-term strategies to better support Lexington’s unhoused population.