The City of Covington has granted $367,720 to Welcome House of Northern Kentucky to help it manage a temporary shelter for those experiencing homeless. The agency, formed in 1982, aims to "provide a continuum of services that will end homelessness and promote stability" for each client they serve.
Named The Garden Center Winter Shelter, the new 24/7 space can house 26 single adults and offers health care, food, a bed and clothing as well as counseling and case management to help residents find permanent and stable housing.
The shelter is staffed/monitored around the clock and they also have a floor set aside for anyone who tests positive for COVID-19.
The center officially opened Nov. 30 and Welcome House CEO Daney Amrine said all 26 spots were filled immediately.
“The pandemic has made clear just how vulnerable this population is, and it’s wonderful that we’ve been able to come together to bring these people into our arms," Amrine said.
Covington used money from the CARES Act to fund the project. Mayor Joe Meyer also changed the zoning laws so the shelter can operate until March 31.
“With the damage it’s done not only to people’s health but also the economy, the coronavirus has greatly exacerbated the needs of the homeless population and the agencies who serve that population, and the City of Covington is stepping forward to help address those needs,” Meyer said.
Welcome House currently manages roughly 100 units of affordable housing in Covington and will also use a portion of the Garden Center grant money to move and expand an existing women and children's shelter. That shelter on Pike Street has 16 beds, but the move will allow them to double that capacity.
Applications for both the Garden Center (for single adults) and the women and children's shelter are processed through the Welcome House at 205 W. Pike St., Covington.
Learn more at welcomehouseky.org.
