To best provide safe, stable and affordable housing for men in the community who are committed to building a better future, the YMCA of Greater Louisville has started the Men’s Supportive Housing Program at its Chestnut Street Family YMCA branch.
The idea for the initiative first began as the YMCA was formerly a place for men to stay as well as commune with like-minded individuals.
After the Korean War, the Chestnut Street Family YMCA provided housing for returning soldiers, and the branch worked in the late 1990s with the Housing Authority of Louisville (HAL) , St. John’s Center, Salvation Army and local hospitals that had patients who needed housing after leaving the hospital.
“The above and other agencies look at the individuals to see if they are a good fit for the YMCA Men’s Supportive Housing Program,” said Blair Downs, the director of marketing and communications at the YMCA of Greater Louisville. “This program assists in housing men who have been unhoused because of a downturn in the market or need for other support. Case management support is arranged for employment opportunities, mental health support, trauma support, and support for food access through SNAP benefits or food pantries.”
Program Details
At the shelter, men receive single resident occupancy housing. There are three floors withing the facility and each floor offers communal bathrooms, washer and dryer. One floor offers a community room for all the residents with a kitchen, computer lab with internet access and Wi-Fi, and conversation areas with chairs, sofas and a TV.
Downs said the requirements for staying at the shelter is all possible visitors must provide information — ID, social security card — for a background check. They also must fill out an application for housing. After the background check comes back, a referral goes to HAL. When the referral returns, the YMCA requests a voucher and sends a lease agreement to HAL.
“Once all are signed, the tenant can move in within 10 to 24 hours of a signed agreement,” said Downs.
Also, all program participants must agree to the Articles of Agreement, which include but are not limited to:
- Respect for staff, fellow residents and YMCA property.
- No guests allowed on residence floors.
- Cleanliness and upkeep of living space.
- No drugs, alcohol, weapons or public intoxication.
- Quiet hours observed after 11:00 PM.
- Participation in employment, school or volunteer work.
- Mandatory meetings with staff and fellow residents.
Violation of any rule may lead to eviction. Multiple minor violations will also result in removal from the program.
Reaction and Lessons Learned
Downs said the response from participants and the community at large toward the program has been great thus far.
“The men appreciate having shelter, fellowship and a caring community to help them in their next steps,” said Downs. “Holiday and other special event support from the community is also treasured such as Christmas and Thanksgiving meals, Super Bowl and Father’s Day events, and more.”
Downs added volunteers and community members encourage the men with cleaning supplies, personal care packages and more. Chestnut Street Family YMCA board members also embolden the participants as well.
“The support from the community is vital to this program as well as everything that the Chestnut Street Family YMCA does,” said Downs. “Letting the community know who we help, how we support them and what the Chestnut Street Family YMCA does is the only way we can continue to grow our outreach.”
