The success of our efforts to end homelessness in Louisville depends on the engagement of all Louisvillians. There are many ways you can get involved and advocate for the needs of our poor and homeless neighbors.

• During the Kentucky state legislative session, you can follow bills through Bill Watch. Follow us on Facebook or on our website to see what bills we are advocating for (and see our legislative priorities here), and leave messages for your Kentucky State Senator and/or Representative through the Legislative Message Line at 1-800-372-7181.
• During the budgeting session of our local government, contact your Metro Council representative regarding issues important to homeless people, especially funding the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
• To get the Coalition for the Homeless updates including new advocacy issues needing local support, sign up for our enewsletter.
• Want to learn more about supporting a specific project, such as one for youth, families, or another group? Reach out to Melissa Raley at mraley@louhomeless.org.
• Interested in a volunteer opportunity? The Coalition coordinates the annual Street Count in January and the Stand Down in October; sign up for our enewsletter to be notified about these opportunities. Otherwise, see our list of member agencies and volunteer at one of these hardworking organizations.

Are you worried about a particular homeless person? The Coalition for the Homeless provides Street Tips booklets you can pick up in our office and share with a homeless person. They provide a listing of all the community’s homeless services, addresses, and phone numbers.

If someone needs to get a shelter bed for the night, they can call (502) 637-BEDS between 10am and 3:30pm to make a reservation. And if you are worried about someone who may have a mental illness and might be unable to call or stay in a shelter, call the Seven Counties Services outreach team at 502-287-0642 with a description and location so they can help the person. Above all, of course, be safe. Do not go into unknown or unpopulated areas alone and if you feel someone is a risk to themselves or others leave immediately and call 911 for assistance.

Thanks for your compassion for the neediest among us.