When Aidan and his mother moved to Lexington, they were hoping for a fresh start. But shortly after arriving, Aidan’s mother underwent a difficult surgery that left her unable to work or even care for herself. At just 17 years old, Aidan made the difficult decision to leave high school and become her full-time caregiver.
With no income, no local support system, and mounting uncertainty, the two of them faced imminent homelessness.
That’s when a hospital social worker referred them to the Council. Our Office of Housing and Homelessness Services (OHHS) provides more than 2,000 intervention actions every year that throw a lifeline to individuals and families in crisis. For Aidan and his mother, that lifeline came in the form of a transitional housing pilot project (THPP). This project was supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number 21.027 awarded to the Lexington Fayette-Urban County Government by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
The Council administered THPP over 18 months in 2022 and 2023 to assist with the lingering financial fallout of the 2020 national economic emergency. By the program’s end, the Council assisted 540 individuals from 281 households in Lexington.
For Aidan and his mother, THPP was life-changing. The program provided safe, temporary housing and access to case management, helping them navigate one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
After ending their time with THPP, tragedy struck. Aidan’s mother passed away, leaving him alone, facing homelessness again, and unsure of how to move forward.
But the Council was there.
The Council launched a new program, Stable Steps, in 2024 as an outgrowth of the former transitional housing pilot project. Stable Steps saw the Council successfully convert scattered-site homes into permanent additions to Lexington’s affordable housing stock.
Stable Steps is unique among local programs because it’s backed by the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)—a critical resource that allows the Council to offer not just shelter, but wraparound services that help families stabilize and rebuild their lives.
Our Housing team worked closely with Aidan to guide him through the next chapter of his life. They helped him secure stable housing through the Lexington Housing Authority, connected him with job training at Goodwill, and stood beside him as he took his first steps into adulthood—all while continuing to offer encouragement and guidance.
“Aiden is such a mannerly young man,” said SOAR Specialist Coordinator Evelyn Morton, who worked directly with Aiden. “He is a man of character who is doing his best after seeing so many challenges in his life.”
Today, Aidan is employed full-time and has even received a promotion! He lives independently and without agency assistance, though he still checks in with us now and then when he needs a little advice.
His story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest in our communities. Through programs like Stable Steps and a comprehensive approach to housing and stability, the Council is helping individuals like Aidan not just survive but thrive.
To learn more about SOAR, click here.
To see more stories from FY 2023-2024, click here.