Ending Homelessness in Kentucky
KICH was initially established after representatives from Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) participated in a Homeless Policy Academy in 2002, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Kentucky was one of eight states invited to participate in the first of these intensive policy-building forums, designed to develop action plans for improving access to mainstream services for people experiencing homelessness. Ten individuals were selected to develop strategic policy plans to meet Kentucky’s homeless needs, resources and policy objectives. Recognizing the need for broader representation, the original team of ten expanded and new members were invited to attend a second policy academy that addressed issues related to chronic homelessness. The Council has representatives from over 20 agencies, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations. As a result of the goals established at the policy academies, KICH has compiled information and is working to maximize the resources available to homeless and at-risk Kentuckians, sharing information with member agencies to increase awareness of homeless issues.
After the passage of Senate Bill 225 in the 2016 Regular Session, the purpose of KICH is outlined as follows:
To serve as the single statewide homeless planning and policy development resource for the Commonwealth of Kentucky;
To review, update, and recommend changes to Kentucky's Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness and monitor its implementation;
To serve as a state clearinghouse for information on services and housing options for the homeless population;
To conduct other activities as appropriate and necessary; and
To report to the Governor and General Assembly as requested.
KICH is facilitated by the Homeless & Housing Coalition of Kentucky.
Membership
Per KRS 194A.735, the council shall include but not be limited to the following members:
The secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services;
The executive director of the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky;
The chief executive officer of the Kentucky Housing Corporation;
The commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans' Affairs;
The secretary of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet;
The secretary of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet;
The secretary of the Transportation Cabinet;
The executive director of the Administrative Office of the Courts;
The state budget director;
A representative from the Kentucky Housing Association, representing public housing authorities, appointed by the Governor for a two (2) year term; and
An individual who has previously experienced homelessness and addiction, appointed by the Governor for a two (2) year term.
Strategic Plan to End Homelessness
My New Kentucky Home (2018)
Past KY Planning Documents
2005 Plan to End Chronic Homelessness
All In: the Federal Strategic Plan
All In is a multi-year, interagency roadmap for a future when no one experiences the tragedy and indignity of homelessness—and everyone has a safe, stable, accessible, and affordable home.
PHA Preference Policy Brief
Since 2013, the federal government, primarily under the auspices of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, has strongly encouraged Continuum of Care (CoC) homeless service providers and public housing authorities (PHA) to collaborate and implement homeless preferences within housing authorities’ admission policies. This document is intended for local homeless service providers to begin conversations with their PHA(s) about implementing formal partnerships.
Contact Information
Adrienne Bush, HHCK Executive Director, 502.223.1834, ext. 101.