LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Mayor's Task Force on Homelessness laid out a sweeping agenda to address rising homelessness in the city, proposing recommendations that would fundamentally restructure how the community responds to people without shelter during a May 13 meeting documented in LFUCG's meeting archives.

The task force approved $3.9 million in combined appropriations, with $2.4 million designated for emergency disaster shelter funding and $1.5 million for an Innovative and Sustainable Solutions Fund. Members discussed implementing a roughly 500-bed shelter system centered on a potential expansion at the Versailles Road campus, which would serve families, elderly people and those with disabilities—populations that current facilities are not designed to accommodate.

A key proposal involves establishing a centralized triage center where first responders and community members could seek assessment and be directed to appropriate services. The task force emphasized creating low-barrier shelter options, enhancing existing facilities, improving case management and developing strategies for eviction prevention. Other recommendations include addressing pet accommodations for homeless individuals and expanding staff training to handle mental health crises.

The ambitious goals reflect pressure to address what city officials describe as a growing crisis. The task force, convened by Mayor Linda Gorton in response to June 2025 emergency shelter study findings, includes city council members, housing advocates and service providers working to develop concrete recommendations for city leadership.

During the meeting, task force members praised a recent tour of the Volunteers of America community care campus in Louisville, citing its innovative approach to serving different populations. Several members highlighted the facility's accessible design, partnerships with local healthcare providers and transparent funding mechanisms as potential models for Lexington.

Business community concerns about shelter placement emerged during public comments, with local business owners expressing worries about impacts on their operations and proposing alternative locations. City officials have acknowledged the need to balance homelessness solutions with community engagement and transparent communication about facility locations and operations.

The task force continues working through subcommittees focused on supportive services, prevention, shelter needs, and financial options. Their formal recommendations are expected to inform city policy decisions about how Lexington addresses its homelessness challenge.