Does the homeless problem still exist in Louisa?
After following up with several of the individuals who have taken the time to address their interest and concerns for the homeless community, this is what we have found.
Louisa Mayor Harold Slone, council member Matt Brown, Police Chief Greg Fugitt and Kelli Fugitt along with judge/exec. elect Phil Carter have all participated in visiting the local homeless population here in Louisa and surrounding cities including The Huntington City Mission Point of Hope to see what would be necessary to start one here if needed.
Louisa resident Tina Jackson who commented in our original story about homeless people living on the river bank near her home, said that “Harold Slone and Phil Carter came down near where “tent city” was close to.” She said she is confident they are doing their best to find a solution.
As for now, Mayor Slone made this comment, “I’m going to have Greg (Chief Fugitt) confirm…. but as far as I know I’m not sure we have any homeless at this time…. I believe the ones that I knew have found a place …. I don’t think the numbers were ever what some believed they were… they moved around a lot, so it seemed like more … but I went and talked to almost all of them and it was very very few actually homeless….”.
Julie Patel, owner of The Budget Inn Express in Louisa said that the homeless have in fact been coming to her hotel when they get their welfare checks and she is trying to do her part in helping by offering them discounts. In some cases, allowing them to stay a day or two for free to find a more permanent solution.
And she has at least one elderly couple who stay on credit and pay as they can. So, they can afford their medicine. Whenever there are any problems, she can always count on Chief Fuggit and his wife Kelly for their assistance. “Chief Fuggitt helps with any problems such as refusal to leave or damage done to property and his wife Kelli has brought enough food to help feed approximately 18 people,” she said.
But there are also reports that there are homeless people living in abandoned barns in Blaine, Ky. This problem is concerning for all parts of Lawrence County.
Where else are the homeless staying?
Several sources tell us near 302 Water Street is another location they have been loitering in. The police have been patrolling the area and watching the community. But so far, the only criminal behavior has been breaking into businesses and finding some of the stolen items back in Main Street Park behind the stage.
Chief Fugitt could not be reached for further comment.
There may be a man sleeping in the post office. I’ve seen him there at 5 in the morning more than once.
I thought the Father Beiting Mission Center was opening a homeless shelter or transitional housing home on the Point Section a few years back or at least that’s what they told everyone to get donations. The shelter was supposed to have been directly across the street from Point of Hope Community Center and Donald Setser was supposed to have been the director of Point of Hope Community Center and the homeless shelter. Did this shelter not open?
The FBAMC did open a facility on the Point Section and it was used when needed. The problem was that many people didn’t want to go there because they couldn’t smoke or bring their animals and there were no TVs. As you may know the FBAMC has closed down with the exception of their home repair section. So any “donations” that were given were used toward the shelter but as Chief Fugitt can confirm, many homeless didn’t want to go because they had to abide by certain rules.
It’s a shame you have to now lock your car doors when going into the post office to check your mail. This town use to be so safe…no locking car doors, you could walk at night without any fear, kids could play outside…… It’s no longer the quaint little town that so many people flocked to because of how safe it was.
The drug users have more privileges than the law abiding citizens. Most citizens want law enforcement and our city officials to get tough but it seems they are only patting the criminals on the back and are saying here’s our city served up on a silver platter to you. Very very sad now.
It is sad nowadays, but I have been locking my car doors for quite a few years now. Trust me, if one leaves their vehicle unlocked, it will be cleaned out!!!! If you want to see this in action, just set out in the parking lot at Wal-Mart!!! Watch the people as they walk by vehicles–they look in as they pass. If they see something inside or in the beds of pickup trucks, it gets taken quickly!!!!
You’re full of ****. It’s not any of us that are homeless doing anything like that. Especially not at Walmart! We aren’t going to walk all the way up there just to get in your cars. The worst thing you’ll see me going through the dumpsters. I’ll use the things I find or trade/sell them for drugs or food. I am no longer on drugs, so I would appreciate it if you all would see that some of us are trying to better ourselves. I know a few that are/were homeless that were never on drugs. or weren’t until they were.
Keep in mind we are still human. And please don’t judge. One day you may look in the mirror and realize you’ve somehow become one of us. Because, I know everyone says we “choose” this life, but NO ONE has ever wanted to grow up and become drug dealers/addicts.
I resigned and left FBAMC in January 2014 as I did not agree with the direction in which it was going. I am happily volunteering on the Big Sandy Area Community Action Program Inc. Board of Directors and the Martin County Stray Hearts Animal Shelter fundraising committee. I’m blessed to be employed in the social services field. Yes, I do think there is or “was” a homeless problem in Louisa. The FBAMC used to provide free transportation to Huntington City Mission to any person in the area needing shelter, I’m not sure they’re still offering it but it may be worth checking into.
Just because we are homeless doesn’t automatically mean we are on drugs. Yeah, a lot are, but not all
it’s amazing to me that Louisa can afford to build an extravagant new courthouse and a beautiful library and yet still have no budget for opening a shelter, maybe move the county offices that still operate in the old courthouse into the newer courthouse and put a shelter in that part of the old courthouse. there’s plenty of wasted time and space in the new one. but, in response to three homeless not wanting to follow shelter rules, I just have to say, if you’re gonna be dumb you gotta be tough!
I think a homeless shelter should be built in Louisa and everyone stop being so greedy
I use to live in that home 60 yrs ago I got goosebumps when I see it
You got pretty much 99% close-minded, self-centered and spoiled people in this county. You have even turned my father into one of your self centered nosey people…. Look the other way, turn a blind eye to actual suffering going on around here. I’m by no means a needy person, I’m just peachy but I do know this much, be careful what friends you make.