Homeless & Housing Coalition of Kentucky on tour

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – It’s a pressing issue for many Americans and even more so for those who live on the streets, homelessness and affordable housing.

The Homeless & Housing Coalition of Kentucky came to town on Wednesday to talk with those who have a vested interest in affordable housing and homelessness and hoping to get some insight on how to fix a big problem in Kentucky. Adrienne Bush and George Eklund with the Homeless & Housing Coalition of Kentucky and the Coalition for the Homeless in Louisville have traveled to Louisville, Lexington, Paducah and Bowling Green so far but still have two more stops to make in northern Kentucky and Morehead to finish out their tour.

Bush says the biggest driving factor for homelessness in the state is the lack of affordable housing, as opposed to mental illness or substance abuse. Eklund said the same, dropping the statistic that “6 out of 10 low income Kentuckians are paying too much for their rent or mortgage and it’s failing them”.

The conversation also touched on barriers, like credit score checks, qualifying income or a deposit before even viewing a rental property. The room also touched on things like House Bill 5, which many criticize for “criminalizing homelessness”

The hope is that from these discussions, well thought out legislation can be put in place during the next 2025 legislative session to get the ball rolling toward viable solutions.