LexCount

Behavioral Health Wellness Environments for Living and Learning (BH WELL) is partnering with Lex End Homelessness and Eastern State Hospital to conduct the 2024 LexCount. LexCount is part of an annual nationwide census dedicated to counting all individuals currently experiencing both sheltered and unsheltered homelessness. LexCount is organized by the Lex End Homelessness Continuum of Care (CoC) which gathers teams of volunteers to visit dozens of outdoor locations in Lexington where persons experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness might be discovered overnight. LexCount provides a snapshot of how many people are experiencing homelessness in the city, particularly during a time when more people will be seeking shelter due to the cold weather. The main goal of LexCount is to see how Lexington is doing in its mission to end homelessness in the community.

The 2024 LexCount will be held on January 31, 2024, from 10:00 PM – 11:59 PM. BH WELL will be joining as a team alongside Eastern State Hospital (ESH) to assist. All teams will conduct a count of the number of individuals and households identified as being without shelter and resources, complete surveys with those identified, facilitate access to emergency shelter, and distribute care packages. Prior to participation, all volunteers will complete a 40-minute, on-demand training webinar via Zoom. Training is mandatory and must be completed in advance of the LexCount.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2023 Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Programs data for Kentucky, of the 1,470 unsheltered and 3,296 sheltered (counted in emergency shelters or transitional housing), 921 people have experienced severe mental illness and 835 have experienced chronic substance abuse in the past year. Experiencing homelessness may worsen existing mental or behavioral health challenges and increase not only sleeplessness but also anxiety, depression, and substance use.

To learn more about LexCount, visit Lex End Homelessness’ website.

LexEnd Homelessness is a network of nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individuals who work to ensure everyone has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. The organization engages the Lexington community, raises awareness, and addresses systemic deficiencies. The organization’s goal is to inspire everyone in Lexington to work together to end homelessness. LexEnd Homelessness notes that by supporting solutions for homelessness intervention and prevention, we all can drive positive impacts in our economy.

The Behavioral Health Wellness Environments for Living and Learning (BH WELL) research team exists to promote behavioral health and wellness among individuals facing behavioral health challenges.