LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A local nonprofit was chosen to oversee the city's planned outdoor space for the homeless community in Old Louisville, Mayor Greg Fischer's Office announced Tuesday.
The Hope Buss, a nonprofit that works to give back to the Louisville community, will run the "Safe Outdoor Space," at which the city said "individuals experiencing homelessness can live temporarily outdoors, with access to food, showers and outreach services."
Metro Government is using $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan funds to buy the former headquarters of the Archdiocese of Louisville at 212 E. College Street. It will be called "The Hope Village."
"As a compassionate city, our goal is to help those who are experiencing homelessness transition into more stable shelter and then put them onto a path to permanent, supportive housing," Fischer said in a news release. "Thank you to the teams at Resilience and Community Services, Louisville Forward, and The Hope Buss for working together to provide more shelter options for Louisvillians and setting us on a path to end homelessness."
The Safe Outdoor Space will provide space for up to 50 homeless people and their pets. It will include outdoor tents, showers, toilets, access to services such as housing navigation, substance abuse counseling, mental health resources, and more.
"There are many reasons that people decide not to stay in emergency shelter, and this space fills a gap in our current system," said Dr. Susan Buchino, director of the Homeless Services Division for Louisville's Office of Resilience and Community Services.
In November 2021, Metro Council approved $89 million in money from the ARP to address homelessness in the city. On top of the $1.5 million to establish "The Hope Village":
- College Street Property: $7.5 million to convert the building at College Street into bridge housing units and furnish the units
- Permanent Supportive Housing: $32 million for client-centered housing with wrap-around services
- Affordable Housing: $40 million to be invested in affordable housing units through the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund
- Down Payment Assistance: $4 million for Louisville Metro Government to increase down payment assistance to help approximately 160 new homeowners
- Home Repair: $4 million to boost an existing successful program that helps people stay in their homes; it would aid approximately 160 homeowners
Stachelle Bussey, the founder of The Hope Buss, said this won't be a permanent solution to the city's homeless issues but rather a "bridge toward more sustainable solutions."
"Our promise remains -- to engage and empower the community and encourage our Village residents by offering equitable options," Bussey said in the news release. "As a Black-led organization, we are ecstatic for this opportunity; this is just the beginning of a different Louisville. At the Hope Village, our motto is simple: Everyone Deserves Community."
Bussey said meals will also be provided at the site. She said anyone who wants to help with those needs can sign up to be a meal sharing partner on The Hope Village website. To access the website, click here.
"It is our chance to be good neighbors," Bussey said.
The city's Office of Resilience and Community Services said residents and business owners near the College Street site are invited to a public forum from 6-7 p.m. Feb. 1. Bussey and Metro Councilman Jecorey Arthur will be on hand to answer any questions. To register for the meeting, click here.
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