Ending homelessness begins by understanding what it is. It isn’t a disease or an affliction, it is an inability to pay rent or make the mortgage due to a lack of structural support.
Tag: Causes
Scott’s Story: Kindness is Free
His first period of homelessness wasn’t so bad, but this one is worse. “Every time you lie down, someone, or the cops, show up and tell you, ‘You can’t sleep here, you have to go somewhere else.’ But at eleven o’clock at night, it’s hard to find somewhere to sleep.”
Thomas and Martha’s Story: Home Is Where the Heart Is
Thomas is originally from Springfield, Ohio, but moved to Harrodsburg, Kentucky when an acquaintance of his told him he’d have a job and a house lined up for him on his arrival. When he arrived, however, he found out that this job did not exist and neither did the housing he was promised. Thomas was… Continue reading Thomas and Martha’s Story: Home Is Where the Heart Is
Paul’s Story: I Don’t Want to Have to Start Over Again
Paul McIntosh is about to be evicted from his apartment, even though he has never been late on rent. This is utterly devastating news for Paul because he’s experienced homelessness in the past. He’s unsure how he’ll manage his eviction given his mental and physical health conditions, yet he’s sure that with his faith and… Continue reading Paul’s Story: I Don’t Want to Have to Start Over Again
Dena’s Story: A Survivor’s Search for Security
Dena Vincent is a forty-seven year old single mother, a survivor of domestic abuse, an addict in recovery, and as of April 2021, experiencing homelessness. Dena was born in Lexington but grew up in Nicholasville, Kentucky. She moved back to Lexington as an adult, but an abusive relationship catalyzed her addiction to drugs and alcohol.… Continue reading Dena’s Story: A Survivor’s Search for Security
Understanding Barriers to Ending Homelessness
Ending homelessness begins by confronting structural barriers, such as confusing and fragmented systems, a lack of resources, and taking a “one size fits all” approach. Read the “Understanding Barriers to Ending Homelessness” thought piece to learn more about these challenges and to learn how Lex End Homelessness (LEH) is using a data-driven approach to ending and preventing homelessness for all.