Catholic Action Center & EDS partnering to keep the homeless warm

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Colder months are approaching.

The Catholic Action Center is looking out for Lexington’s homeless community. They’ve teamed up with Lexington’s Emergency Disaster Services to help.

The center’s recent street survey says there are around 500 people on the streets in Lexington who need shelter this winter.

But, they say this year’s winter hotel program doesn’t start until November 1st.

Temperatures are already dropping.

Ginny Ramsey, Director and Co-founder of the Catholic Action Center says the low temperatures can be harmful to the health of people without homes.

“We’re talking about there are a lot of folks out there that are suffering. This cold is devastating for a lot of them,” Ramsey says.

To combat this issue, EDS is stepping in.

Some of their crews returned from Georgia on Thursday, where they had been helping with hurricane relief.

One of their partners, Lundy’s Catering, delivered a packed box truck to the center.

It was filled with leftover bed kits with sleeping bags, cold weather gear, and sleeping mats.

The bed materials were used at EDS base camps for people working during Hurricane Helene.

“After a certain period those bed kits become unusable to the client here. So we’re able to repurpose those and that way we can extend the life of that kit and then more importantly give it to those who are in need,” Matt Daley, director of communications and logistics at EDS says.

Ramsey says the center has already gone through and unloaded 600 bed mats. They’ve given some to other organizations so they can pass them out as well.

“There’s still inventory in that truck,” Ramsey says.

She says the donation came in at the perfect time. She says that right now, homeless shelters in Lexington are full.

But, this small step can make a difference.

“The idea that we can at least get them some relief, at least get them some warmth. And also, just to let them know that people care,” Ramsey says.

Ramsey says the center plans to pass the winter weather items out throughout the week at their Dignity Station locations on Tuesday at Lexington Rescue Mission and Thursday at the New Circle and Limestone Goodwill.

The station will be open between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on both days.

The Catholic Action Center will also pass out items in their Compassionate Caravan throughout the week.

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