LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Lexington faces a growing homelessness crisis as the number of people without shelter continues to rise, compounded by a significant shortage of available beds, according to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.

The city needs approximately 500 new shelter beds to address the mounting crisis, officials say.

"We knew that Lexington hasn't expanded shelter beds in a number of years, has seen an increase since the pandemic in homelessness," said Charlie Lanter, Lexington's commissioner of housing advocacy and community development.

The need for increased shelter space stems from a study commissioned by the city through EHI Consultants, according to Jeff Herron, Lexington's homelessness prevention manager.

"We have a need for more permanent solutions," He

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