Madison Home seeks court order after City of Richmond denies winter shelter approval
RICHMOND, Ky. — Madison Home, Inc. has filed a lawsuit against the City of Richmond after the city denied the nonprofit’s annual approval to operate its overnight winter shelter, a decision that came just weeks before some of the coldest months of the year.
According to court filings, Madison Home is asking a Madison Circuit Court judge to issue a temporary injunction that would allow the shelter to continue operating while the legal dispute is resolved.
Madison Home says it operates an overnight winter shelter at its historic building on Fifth Street, serving people experiencing homelessness from Dec. 15 through March 15. Court records state the organization has operated under a conditional use certificate since 2022 and provided an estimated 800 overnight stays in 2024 alone.
Madison Home says the city denied its request to operate this winter, citing the absence of a modern fire sprinkler system in the building. In its filing, Madison Home argues that the requirement is being misapplied to a building that predates modern codes and has previously passed fire safety inspections, including inspections during years when the shelter was approved to operate.
Madison Home’s legal filing states the building includes fire escapes on every floor and that only the second and third floors are used for overnight shelter, a setup the organization says qualifies for an exception under the Kentucky Building Code.
“This decision leaves Madison County without a viable overnight shelter option at the most dangerous time of year,” said Michael Frazier, chair of the Madison Home board, in a statement released by the organization. Frazier said the board felt it had both a legal and moral obligation to act, given the lack of alternative overnight shelter options in the county.
Madison Home’s lawsuit asks the court to maintain the status quo while the case moves forward, arguing that denying shelter access during winter months could result in serious harm or loss of life among the unhoused population.
While the legal process continues, Madison Home says it has implemented a temporary plan to keep services going. Already underway, guests will continue checking in at Madison Home in the evening and will be traken to the Masjid Center for overnight shelter. Madison Home staff will remain onsite overnight, and guests will return to Madison Home each morning for meals, showers, laundry, clothing and other daytime services, according to the organization.
Madison Home also emphasized that it does not receive government funding, stating its building is fully paid for through private donations and that its operations rely on individuals, churches, volunteers and community partners.
The City of Richmond, however, pushed back on Madison Home’s claims in a statement provided by City Manager Rob Minerich. The city said it has supported shelter services for years through the Room in the Inn program and has invested significant resources into Madison Home.
“The city has provided volunteers, office space for processing, hotel room vouchers, and has also invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in Madison Home with the understanding they would bring the building at 105 Fifth Street up to state building code,” Minerich said in the statement. He added that the city also provided engineering and architectural drawings to guide Madison Home on improvements needed to meet state code requirements.
Madison Home says it remains hopeful for a constructive resolution and plans to continue working with city and county leaders on long-term solutions.
The court has not yet ruled on the request for a temporary injunction.
