How you solve the influx of homelessness in Hopkinsville is a question that has been asked for several years now and city officials are meeting to gather data.
Before the Thanksgiving holiday, the newly appointed committee of city, county, and state representatives met for the first time.
Mayor JR Knight says as they work to find a solution to the homeless population, they have increased patrols downtown.
click to download audioPolice Chief Jason Newby says they can only do so much, but an ordinance, like Owensboro has implemented, could help.
click to download audioHe adds everyone has to follow the law and rules of society.
click to download audioCity Councilman Steve Keel asked if an existing ordinance could be used.
click to download audioNewby says he thinks that the ordinance is too confusing and would only hinder the problem. He did ask State Representatives Myron Dossett and Walker Thomas if they could look at amending a law.
click to download audioSalvation Army representatives say 296 people stayed in the shelter between October 2022 and September 2023 with the highest percentage, 14 percent, being people who were staying with relatives when they were kicked out.
