BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — A little-known service to homeless people in Martin County has been in place since 2021. However, staff at the HomePlace Clinic in Inez believe many are unaware of the assistance available to them.
Dorothy Dillon, clinic coordinator/case manager for the Inez location of the HomePlace Clinic network, said there are more homeless individuals within the county than most residents realize, including many people who stay with family members or travel from house to house, spending the night wherever they are allowed.
“What most people fail to realize is that the true definition of a homeless person includes all persons without a permanent residence, regardless of whether family or friends take them in or not,” explained Dillon. “There are people staying with family members who do not want them there and pressure them each day to find somewhere else to go, while others “couch surf” to a different location every day or two, not spending any time in one place. They stay wherever they can.
She continued, “We have helped several we have found living in outbuildings without water and electricity, in old vehicles, tents and other temporary forms of accommodations that are unsafe and that promote health and welfare concerns.”
Dillon said if HomePlace Clinic receives a report about a homeless person from the general public, law enforcement or a health provider, they send out a team that includes at least two workers who attempt to locate the individual. They hope they will be allowed to get the person placed in one of the many shelters owned and operated by the group of clinics across Eastern Kentucky. Dillon said this is the first and most important step to getting them back on their feet and back in safe housing.
“If I get a report of a homeless person, regardless of whether it’s male or female, I immediately begin calling our shelters to see who has a vacancy,” explained Dillon.
Although HomePlace Clinic does not have a shelter in Martin County, several shelters in neighboring counties accept referrals from the clinic.
“It’s imperative that if at all possible, we get the person to agree to go to one of our well-maintained shelters that will provide them a safe, warm place to stay that includes meals,” stated Dillon. “This step will allow us to then search for a vacant efficiency apartment within our network of housing throughout this portion of the state, and help the individual complete their application and gather paperwork they will need that may include birth certificate, Social Security card, driver’s license or a state ID that is required to apply. We will help with whatever is needed.”
Dillon explained that in their network of available housing, once an individual agrees to enter a homeless shelter, their name is bumped to the top of the housing list. They are given priority over others who have homes.
“Even if they only enter a shelter for one day, it makes them a priority,” stated Dillon.
Should a homeless person in Martin County refuse to leave the county to seek the safety of a shelter in another location, HomePlace Clinic’s team will help them apply for all public housing options within the county. The clinic will assist them with meals, clothing, personal hygiene items and other needs until they have a permanent place to go.
“If they require medical care or the assistance of a behavioral health program, we help take care of that for them as well.”
Dillon spoke of the stigma associated with homelessness and noted how easily it could affect anyone facing a financial crisis.
“We’ve all heard the phrase ‘we’re just one payday away from homelessness,’ and sadly that is often the truth. Not all who are homeless got to where they are by any fault of their own. They are often good people who are down on their luck and have lost their way,” remarked Dillon. “Maybe they lost their job, and their home was foreclosed on. They may have also lost their vehicle for non-payment. Each story is different, but they’re all heartbreaking.”
She added, “Not everyone has family willing to open their hearts to those in need. Families with children can, most of the time, receive assistance through the state, but that’s not always the case for a single person. Before they know it, they’ve exhausted every penny they have and don’t know which way to turn, but that’s where we come in.”
According to Dillon, there are always people who will refuse help, such as transportation to a shelter. In those situations, the team resorts to supplying items such as ponchos and rain gear, coats, blankets, sleeping bags, clothing and personal hygiene items, snacks and non-perishable food items. They keep checks on the individuals, hoping they will change their minds and agree to a greater level of care.
“Winter is right around the corner, and the nighttime temperatures are already dropping to near freezing. The last thing we want is for someone without a home to be out in the elements,” said Dillon. “We are all human and we must step up and show concern for the needs of others. Extend kindness and offer to help when possible. If you know of a homeless person within the county, please contact our clinic. We will do our best to help get them off the streets, out of their situation, and on the way to a more desirable and safer life.”
With the holidays fast approaching, the HomePlace Clinic reminds the public that their Inez location is accepting donations of new or gently used adult clothing, coats and shoes, personal hygiene products, blankets and sleeping bags, and snack and food items that are ready to eat and do not require cooking. “We try to keep a ready supply of these items on hand for emergency situations so that, at the very least, we can help supply the homeless with basic needs.”
Contact the HomePlace Clinic team at 606-953-0710 or stop by their location at 428 E. Main Street in Inez.