Despite financial challenges amid a pandemic, several organizations from northern Kentucky came together to provide emergency shelters for the homeless this winter.
“The agencies meet quarterly and share their information. We immediately realized the need for winter shelter,” said Danielle Amrine, CEO of Welcome House of Northern Kentucky. “Everyone has problems during that time, but we all got together and we were fortunate enough to receive financial support.”
Welcome House is a not-for-profit organization in Northern Kentucky that guides customers from “Housing Insecurity to Housing Stability”. This is achieved through services such as housing, service coordination as well as reach and stability.
Your mission is to provide a continuum of services that end homelessness and promote stability.
In 2020, Welcome House operated the Garden Center Winter Shelter in collaboration with Urban Outreach and commissioned various services through other organizations such as the Brighten Center, Table Catering, Point / Arc laundry service and many more.
“The Mayor and the City of Covington have been very supportive and their funding has helped meet this very important need,” said Amrine.
The winter home on East 11th Street in Covington opened in November and will run until the end of March.
The results – lives saved, says Stela Hall, director of the winter house.
“The shelter has really been a boon to those in need,” Hall said. “Those who stay here are very grateful and love to have a warm place to stay. You weren’t out in the harsh elements. We are making a difference here in the lives of families and many individuals. We make sure that we do not lose any life in this harsh winter. We offer a safe place. “
In addition to a warm bed and meals, guests had access to all-round services, including case management, medical care, advice and much more.
Many have already moved into apartments, said Amrine.
The three-story shelter operates 24 hours, seven days a week. It is open to individuals and families. The shelter can accommodate up to 31 people and pandemic precautions are taken daily.
“We want to make sure that the homeless population is well cared for, especially during these times,” said Amrine.
Amrine said this grooming is needed more than just winter.
“Ideally we would like to continue this summer and next winter, but we need the resources to make that happen,” she said. “For that we need more community partners. The need is real. “
Written by Melissa Reinert, RCN contributor
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