Information for this story was provided by Steve Lenahan, Executive Director of CCHC.
Homelessness is a pervasive issue in Clark County and across Kentucky. There’s a severe shortage of rental homes that are affordable and available to extremely low-income households. This means that even when we help individuals achieve self-sufficiency, finding truly affordable and stable housing can be incredibly difficult, making it harder for people to exit homelessness permanently. The rising cost of housing impacts everyone, but disproportionately affects those with limited resources.
Clark County Homeless Coalition (CCHC) was formed in 2009 to help address these issues locally. The mission of CCHC is “to empower those experiencing homelessness to take ownership of their path home.”
Steve Lenahan told us that the organization has been able to permanently house dozens of formerly unhoused individuals and families each year. They have provided basic needs to individuals who have been living in the street for a decade or more, convinced them to live in their shelter and then helped them move into permanent housing.
Funding remains a big a challenge. Homeless service providers often operate with stretched resources. While federal funding exists (like HUD’s Continuum of Care grants), it can be competitive and sometimes insufficient to meet all needs, leading to cuts in critical services. This often necessitates reliance on local funding sources and private donations, which can fluctuate.
Other challenges include stigma and public perception of unhoused people and the complex needs of clients, which include mental health and substance use disorders, a lack of employment opportunities and barriers to employment, as well as lack of identification and documentation.
Volunteers needed
Obviously, helping clients overcome these obstacles requires both a dedicated staff, leadership, and volunteers.
Steve identified some of the greatest needs for volunteers, including teaching and supporting our clients with daily skills (budgeting, cooking, resume building, interviewing, health care questions, prescriptions, and so forth. Starting a food or supply drive is a continuous need.
“We rely heavily on volunteers to assist with various aspects of their operations,” Steve said. “This could include administrative tasks, helping with special events, supporting shelter operations, or assisting with programs. While specific active opportunities may vary, we encourage those interested to apply.
“By engaging the community… we build a network of support that is essential for providing shelter, services, and a pathway to self-sufficiency for those experiencing homelessness in Clark County.”
Many people assume that groups such as CCHC are only interested in providing a bed for the night or locating apartments for unhoused people. But the truth is much more complex and designed to be a more sustainable solution to the problem.
“We don’t just offer a bed for the night,” Steve told us. “Our emphasis on intensive case management, financial literacy, employment skills, education, and addressing underlying issues like mental health and substance use demonstrates a truly holistic approach.”
The key to success is in the mission statement of the organization. It’s not about handouts, but about providing the tools, support, and guidance necessary for individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve lasting independence.
The CCHC offers a “continuum” of services, from crisis shelter (Wainscott Hall) to transitional housing (Bridge Program) and then rapid rehousing. This structured progression helps individuals stabilize, develop skills, and transition smoothly into permanent housing, reducing the likelihood of returning to homelessness.
“In essence,” Steve says, “the Clark County Homeless Coalition is more than just a shelter; it’s a vital community resource dedicated to providing a comprehensive pathway out of homelessness, fostering dignity, and promoting long-term stability for its clients.”
To contact Clark County Homeless Coalition, visit their information page.