Skyscraper Camping Raises Concerns for Louisville’s Houseless Population
As Louisville Metro Police cleared out trespassers camping inside a historic skyscraper near the mayor’s office, the issue of homelessness hits close to home for those temporarily housed at the Arthur Street Hotel in Old Louisville.
Stachelle Bussey, creator of The Hope Village, expressed concern over the limited shelter spots available for those in need. “Some of those people who were removed from that building today, they are frequent visitors of The Hope Village, and you know we only have about 40-45 spots,” Bussey said.
Bussey highlighted the increasing cost of living in the city, making it difficult for people to afford housing. “People are priced out of the city, people can’t live, people can barely afford to live so we got a crisis,” she explained.
Despite facing challenges, Bussey and her team at The Hope Village continue to advocate for the houseless population. “As the curator and the brainchild of The Hope Village I got people there who are fighting, I have workers who are fighting, like we’re fighting for our survival,” she said.
For Savvy Hughes, a community support advocate at the Arthur Street Hotel, the issue of full shelters in the city is concerning. “I think it’s always concerning knowing that the shelters are full in this city,” Hughes said.
The incident of skyscraper camping serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing homelessness crisis in Louisville, prompting advocates like Bussey and Hughes to continue their fight for those in need.