Louisville announces $1.2 million in new funding to expand homeless services

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- City leaders are investing more than $1 million in the fight against homelessness, with the goal of keeping more people off the streets and connecting them to long-term support.

Mayor Craig Greenberg announced $1.2 million in new grant funding through Louisville’s Homeless Initiative Fund. The money will be distributed to nonprofit partners, including shelters and outreach programs, to expand services for people living outside.

“This funding reflects our deep commitment to protecting and uplifting our most vulnerable neighbors,” Greenberg said in a news release. “By partnering with local nonprofits, we’re ensuring that critical services are available — especially during severe weather and times of crisis.”

Deputy Mayor Nicole George said the grants are part of the city’s broader commitment to homelessness and housing services.

“We will be prioritizing 24-hour shelter services to priority populations,” George said. “It’s a $1.2 million commitment to the community to help fund things like inclement weather, case management — to really be able to get people off the streets.”

At St. Vincent de Paul, CEO Jennifer Clark said the money will allow the shelter to expand from 40 to 60 emergency beds. She said the organization’s 24/7 model has already been a “game changer.”

“The ability to stay in the shelter and come and go as they need to, instead of being forced out, has been a real game changer for people,” Clark said. “We’re seeing more people being employed and fewer incidents because people are just less stressed out.”

For people like Jose Vazquez, the funding represents more than just beds and meals — it represents hope. Vazquez lived in his car for more than a year before finding permanent housing with help from local nonprofits.

“That money can be a game changer,” Vazquez said. “I can absolutely relate, because I was one of them. I lived in my car for a year. I got back on my feet, and now I’m giving back to the community and helping those who helped me while I was on the street.”

The application window for organizations seeking Homeless Initiative Fund grants is open through Aug. 29. City leaders say the funding will support a variety of services, from shelter operations to outreach during extreme weather, with the goal of meeting people where they are and helping them take the next step toward stability.

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