Confronting the Cold

There is no reason anyone should be out in this cold. Our doors are open wide for anyone needing a place to stay or to just warm up and get a plate of food. We are also available to transport people to and from camps and other locations if necessary. If Louisville shelter becomes filled, we have a plan developed with Metro Government to utilize Hotel Louisville for overflow. Our case managers and Adult Peer Support Specialists are prepared to help anyone who has an adversion to the shelter crowds and will attempt to accomondate to a more comfortable location. Please do not let anyone freeze to death during this cold weather. Get them into the safety of a shelter.

There are several contingency plans which can quickly begin should the shelters reach their stated capacities. A plan with Metro Government involves using several existing hotel rooms at Hotel Louisville as short term emergency shelter lodging, including food service. This contingency will only be used if the shelters become full and are no longer able to assist homeless individuals seeking shelter.

Some of the shelters in Louisville are operating under “Operation White Flag” protocols, volunteering to open space not normally used for shelter, and by relaxing rules that may be in place under normal conditions. Wayside also has several emergency options should these aberrant conditions continue. These include opening space in transitional areas of the shelter and hotel. We are ending most nights with about 50-100 beds available in local shelters and contingencies for lodging another 100-200 people should the shelter beds fill. Our contingency plans were developed six months ago and the agreement with the city developed over the weekend.

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The Low Barrier Shelter is open 24 hours a day for dropping in to warm up, eat a meal, and/or take a shower. A state-licensed social worker is on duty during most days and an Adult Peer Support Specialist is on duty most nights. Transportation is provided for homeless individuals to and from homeless camps or lodging locations when requested. Call 502-996-1888 for more information and/or transportation.