Homelessness is a big issue around the world, and in the case of Northern Kentucky, it can be in nearby areas that are visited everyday. Kentucky’s rate of homelessness is 26th in the United States, and it increased by 9.8% from 2023 to 2024. In Covington, Welcome House tries hard to solve the problem of homelessness.
For over 35 years and counting, Welcome House has provided housing, outreach, case management, and other services to help people experiencing homelessness to ensure that they will never experience it again. Welcome House has proved important in raising awareness of homelessness and in finding a path forward for those people.
Welcome House has four different locations in Kentucky and many resources under their belt to help as many people as possible.
The prevention program diverts households on the brink of homelessness by helping with rent and other payments.
Welcome house can directly manage the funds of people who have mental or physical disabilities by acting as a representative payee.
Shelters for veterans, women, and children that Welcome House maintains help vulnerable people who are experiencing homelessness. Veterans make up 13% of the overall homeless population in the world, and they face unique challenges based on what they went through in the military.
Another great thing about Welcome House is that it allows others to help in their battle against homelessness. People can donate money, cooked or uncooked food, and even everyday items. These everyday items can be virtually anything, to home essentials, cleaning supplies, groceries, first aid, seasonal, and baby items.
Individuals can also volunteer for many opportunities at Welcome House. People can take jobs like hosting activity nights and landscaping projects, or small tasks like event volunteering and sorting donations.
Homelessness is a big issue all around the world, and there are many implications and impacts for those who are affected.
“As someone who has worked at Welcome House for over 16 years, I’ve seen firsthand how complex and deeply human the issue of homelessness is. It’s not just about lacking a roof—it’s about lacking stability, support, and often a path forward,” Welcome House employee Elizabeth LaPash said.
Russell Winters is a chief executive officer at Tender Mercies, a different organization determined to end homelessness in Cincinnati.
“Students and the world can help out by spreading awareness, helping out at shelters, donating at organizations that help the homeless, and being kind to those people,” Winters said.
Awareness needs to be spread about the problem of homelessness so that others can help in the goal of places like Welcome House and Tender Mercies. With enough resources, dedication, and empathy, homelessness can be removed from Kentucky and other places in the United States.
