LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A Louisville Metro Council member said more needs to be done to help people experiencing homelessness across the city.
Councilman Dan Seum (R-13) is calling attention to the conditions inside homeless camps, including one tucked away in a wooded area in Shively.
"We're too comfortable in our complacency and in our homes," Seum said. "And that's why I had to bring you out here to show what these human beings are having to live in."
Brad, 60, is one of the people living there.
He said he has been on and off the streets for years after losing his home to foreclosure.
But he'll soon have to leave. Brad said the property owner is clearing trees and brush from the area and has warned people living there.
"I've got a couple places I can go," Brad said. "I can go with my daughter for a little bit."
Exodus Ministries, a Louisville nonprofit that helps people experiencing homelessness find housing and other resources, is helping Brad get into an apartment based on his income.
The group said it's also seeing more people who need help.
"Our visits have went from 65, and they're up around 90 to 100 now," said Shane Schlatter, executive director for the organization.
Louisville has launched several efforts to get more people off the streets.
The city's Home for Good initiative is working to move people experiencing chronic homelessness into permanent housing. Louisville also recently opened Unity Home, a 29-unit shelter in the Smoketown neighborhood for families experiencing homelessness.
But Seum said housing is only part of the issue. He believes more needs to be done for people struggling with serious mental illness and addiction.
"The first thing we've got to do is reinstate state hospitals, and we've got to find ways to commit these people," Seum said. "We don't have enough beds for these people."
Seum said he wants more treatment options and changes to when someone experiencing a serious mental health crisis can be taken into treatment.
Louisville has also put money toward expanding mental health services, including a crisis center expected to open soon that is designed to give people another option besides an emergency room or jail.
But Seum said the people still living in camps show there are gaps.
"We don't have enough beds for these people," he said.
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