Does Richmond, KY Have a Homeless Shelter? Here’s What’s Available Now

If you’re asking whether Richmond, KY has a homeless shelter, the short answer is yes-but it’s not always easy to find, and availability can change quickly. Many people assume shelters are large, permanent buildings with round-the-clock beds. In reality, services in smaller cities like Richmond often operate through partnerships, rotating locations, or limited hours. What exists isn’t always obvious unless you know where to look.

What’s Actually Available in Richmond, KY

The main provider of emergency shelter services in Richmond is the Wayne County Homeless Coalition a local nonprofit organization that coordinates housing assistance, food, and emergency shelter services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Wayne County, Kentucky. They don’t run a traditional 24/7 shelter building. Instead, they partner with churches and community centers to offer temporary beds during colder months and high-need periods.

From October through March, the coalition opens a seasonal shelter at the First Baptist Church of Richmond, offering up to 20 beds per night. These are gender-segregated, and guests must follow a curfew and participate in a brief intake process. No one is turned away due to substance use, but weapons and alcohol are not permitted.

Outside of winter, the coalition operates a day center at 114 North 5th Street. This space is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and provides showers, laundry, mail forwarding, and case management. It’s the closest thing to a year-round hub for people without stable housing.

Who Can Use These Services?

These services are open to anyone experiencing homelessness-individuals, couples, and families. You don’t need ID, proof of income, or a referral. The only requirement is being present during operating hours and respecting the rules of the facility. Children are allowed to stay with their parents, but unaccompanied minors are referred to child protective services.

Many people assume shelters are only for men or only for families. In Richmond, the seasonal shelter serves both single adults and families, though they’re housed in separate rooms. The day center is open to all, regardless of family status.

What About Overnight Beds Outside Winter?

If you need a bed in Richmond between April and September, options are limited. The Wayne County Homeless Coalition doesn’t operate a year-round shelter. Some individuals sleep in their cars, under bridges, or in wooded areas near the Kentucky River. Others rely on friends or extended family for temporary couch surfing.

There are no official overnight drop-in centers in Richmond during the warmer months. That doesn’t mean help isn’t available-it just means you have to reach out in advance. The coalition can sometimes arrange emergency motel vouchers for people in crisis, especially if they’re fleeing domestic violence or have a medical need.

Food, Hygiene, and Other Basic Needs

Even if you can’t get a bed, food and hygiene services are more accessible. The Richmond Community Kitchen a nonprofit that serves free hot meals to anyone in need, operating daily at 117 North 10th Street in Richmond, Kentucky serves lunch and dinner every day. No questions asked. They also hand out hygiene kits-soap, toothpaste, deodorant, and feminine products-on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The Hope House a faith-based outreach program that provides clothing, blankets, and emergency supplies to people experiencing homelessness in Richmond, KY, operating out of the First United Methodist Church is open every Thursday afternoon. People can pick up clean clothes, socks, and winter gear without an appointment.

How to Get Help Beyond a Bed

Most people who come to the day center aren’t just looking for a place to sleep. They’re trying to get a job, find housing, or reconnect with family. The coalition’s case workers help with:

• Applying for SNAP food benefits
• Getting a Kentucky state ID
• Connecting with mental health or addiction counseling
• Applying for Section 8 housing vouchers
• Accessing transportation to job interviews

They’ve helped over 300 people find permanent housing in the past two years. That’s not a huge number for a city of 35,000, but it’s more than most similar-sized towns in Eastern Kentucky can claim.

What’s Missing in Richmond?

There’s no dedicated shelter for LGBTQ+ individuals. No pet-friendly housing. No 24-hour access. No on-site medical care. And while the coalition is well-intentioned, it’s underfunded and staffed mostly by volunteers. They rely heavily on donations and church support.

There’s also no public awareness campaign to let people know where to go. Many people who need help don’t know the day center exists-or that the winter shelter opens in October. That’s why so many end up sleeping outside.

How to Help or Find More Resources

If you’re looking to volunteer or donate, the Wayne County Homeless Coalition accepts gently used clothing, non-perishable food, hygiene items, and monetary donations. They also need people to help with meal prep, cleaning, and driving clients to appointments.

You can reach them at (859) 624-5678 or visit their office at 114 North 5th Street during business hours. Their website is outdated, so calling is the best way to get current information.

If you’re in Richmond and need help right now, here’s what to do:

• Need a bed between October and March? Go to First Baptist Church at 715 North 1st Street by 6 p.m.
• Need food, showers, or a phone to call someone? Go to the day center at 114 North 5th Street, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Need clothing or blankets? Visit Hope House at First United Methodist Church, 515 North 4th Street, every Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Need help with housing or benefits? Call the coalition at (859) 624-5678 and ask for case management.

What Happens When You Call?

When you call, you’ll likely speak with a volunteer who’s been trained to handle urgent requests. They won’t ask for your history. They won’t judge. They’ll ask if you need food, a bed, or help with paperwork. Then they’ll tell you where to go or come pick you up if you’re unable to get there.

One woman in her 50s, who had been sleeping in her car after losing her job, called last January. Within three days, she had a motel voucher, a referral to job training, and a new pair of boots. Two months later, she moved into subsidized housing. That’s the kind of impact this small team makes-when they have the resources.

Richmond isn’t Louisville or Lexington. It doesn’t have a big city budget or dozens of shelters. But it has people who care. And sometimes, that’s enough to keep someone alive until the next opportunity comes along.

Next Steps If You’re in Richmond

If you’re currently without housing in Richmond, don’t wait until it gets colder. Go to the day center at 114 North 5th Street today. Bring a change of clothes if you can, but you don’t need anything to walk in. Ask for the case manager. Tell them your situation. They’ve heard it all before-and they’re there to help you move forward.

If you’re a local resident wondering how to help, donate blankets, volunteer an hour a week, or just spread the word. Many people don’t know these services exist. Your awareness could be the difference between someone sleeping outside and someone getting a hot meal and a path home.