A program that has kept hundreds of Louisville’s most vulnerable citizens out of jail and hospitals is in jeopardy.
Updated: 5:25 AM EDT May 16, 2018
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A program that has kept hundreds of Louisville’s most vulnerable citizens out of jail and hospitals is in jeopardy. The Living Room and dozens of other programs and other organizations are appealing to members of the Metro Council- hoping for additional funding in the budget.
And whether it’s housing or programs for at-risk youth, many organizations say with the way the budget currently stands they will be unable to continue their current operations.
Centerstone CEO Tony Zipple made an appeal at Metro Council’s Budget Committee public hearing Tuesday.
The Living Room opened in December, thanks to funding from the Metro Council, and has served hundreds of clients since. Those people, struggling with mental health and addiction issues, would otherwise be taken by police officers to jail or a hospital.
“We call this the living room because when people come here they’re our guests,” Zipple explained of the program.
‘Guests’ are welcomed in, made to feel comfortable in a ‘living room’ type setting and then connected with more permanent services.
Zipple estimates about $400,000 has been saved in court, jail, and other costs. Currently, Mayor Greg Fischer’s budget allocates $650,000 for the program.
But Zipple told members of the council he needed 1.35 million to keep the doors open, “If all we had was $650,000 for the year we would have to close it.”
Tuesday marked the Budget Committee’s second public hearing in the weeks since the Mayor presented his budget. During that time, dozens of organizations have come forward to ask for additional funding.
The Boys and Girls Club, now serving an additional 1,000 kids, compared to this time last year, is asking for a 10 percent increase in funding for art and teen programs.
The Louisville Urban League, meanwhile, is set to receive only a third of the funding they requested to continue “Project Ready” — preparing students for college.
Budget Committee Chairman Bill Hollander said Tuesday he was open to the dialogue and budgetary changes.
“There’s always some changes, always some things people think ought to get a little more money or sometimes people think something should get a little less money. That’s the kind of discussion we have over the course of this two months,” Hollander said.
Zipple understands the budget is tight but in the weeks ahead he is hoping for a change to the bottom line.
“It’s not often you get to do the right thing financially, do the right thing in terms of public safety, and do the right thing in terms of taking care of our most vulnerable and needy citizens all at the same time. It’s a steal of a deal,” Zipple told members of the Metro Council.
A third and final public hearing is scheduled for May 21st at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers. That’s when council members say they want to hear from taxpayers.
A final draft of the budget is not expected for several weeks.
