The Paducah Cooperative Ministry has reopened their homeless shelter for women and children after being forced to relocate a year ago. PCM Case Manager Candace Melloy says each of the new four houses is fitted with four bedrooms and two baths. Two of the homes are allotted for single women only and the others are being utilized as family units. The homes are available as a first come first serve basis.
Melloy says occupants are given 30 days to show they can follow the rules, after that they’re allowed to stay as long as they need.
“This year I anticipate us being pretty full, just because we’ve had so many folks that have been in need that now that we have re-opened they are contacting us because there are a lot of people that really need help.” Melloy said.
While the shelter was closed, PCM sent those in need wherever a free bed was available, often uprooting individuals from any established support.
“Unfortunately there aren’t a lot of options in Paducah for shelter. Single women in particular are in a very difficult position, if they don’t have any domestic violence issues then there isn’t a shelter in our area that can house them.” Melloy said.
Individuals without beds are often relocated to Hopkinsville, Nashville, Louisville or even Lexington, which often means people were forced to start their lives completely over. Melloy says a lot of folks are already established in Paducah.
“If it's a woman with children and kids are school aged, that means the kids have to relocate as well. At least when there is a shelter in the area the kids don’t have to be uprooted from school, which means while everything else in their life might be unstable, at least they have they shelter.” Melloy said.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations changed last year ending a nearly 25 year lease agreement with PCM, prompting the McCracken County Fiscal Court to consider a $50,000 grant for a new shelter. Melloy says the shelter operates largely on donations, and a third of the homeless in need are children.
