BUILD research committees are working hard on solutions for some of Lexington’s problems. 

Here are some updates:

Eldercare: This is the new issue and the committee is meeting with lots of professionals who work in this field. So far we have met with Lexington Senior Center, the University of Kentucky’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, Bluegrass Area Agency on Aging, Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, and the Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency.

 One important statistic we learned was that by 2030, there will be more people over the age of 60 in Lexington than under the age of 18. Given that the population of older adults is increasing, it’s crucial that we address the problems they face. Some of the problems lifted up from these professionals were: the fact that 90% of older adults want to grow old in their homes, but there are various barriers to doing so. Additionally, they noted that there are disparities in resources among different parts of the community which are critical for aging with dignity. They also noted there is no affordable all-around care center that can meet the needs of older adults. 

We will continue to research specific problems until the committee narrows it down to one. Then, we will research proven solutions.

Transportation/Microtransit

The microtransit committee has been meeting with Lextran and council members to get their support for a pilot microtransit in Lexington. We have also met with agencies that serve those with disabilities. All agree that this is something that would be great for Lexington! Now what we need is funding. Councilmember Ellinger is bringing a proposal to the Environmental Quality

and Public Works Committee on February 6th to tell them more about microtransit and build support for funding it. BUILD will be at this meeting and we have meetings set with many of the council members in the coming weeks. 

We are asking you to write or call your council member with your support and stories of how micro transit would benefit you and the people you know. 

Affordable Housing

Last June, we won a housing ordinance that links the affordable housing fund to 1% of the city’s

Revenue, dedicating about $5 M/year!. This more than doubles the number of families each year that the housing fund can serve, and will grow as the city grows.

Because of our work over the years in affordable housing, more than 3,000 families already

have a safe, affordable place to call home. And because of this win, 500 more families will be

housed each year!! When we met with the manager of the housing fund in January, we heard

an update on how the affordable housing fund focuses on a mix of low income and very low

income housing. Last year, the fund really prioritized projects with nonprofit partners, like the 24

units it rehabbed with the mental health provider New Beginnings.

This Summer we will get the conclusions of a report commissioned by the city’s affordable housing office on the state of housing needs in Lexington. The BUILD Housing committee decided to wait for this report so we will know how best to go forward.

This work takes organization and the power of people to become a reality. This is why we have Justice Ministry Networks, to organize us to act powerfully in the public arena where change happens. MQ’s next meeting to get updates, build our power and get organized is our MQ Network Meeting. This is Monday, March 4 , 7 PM in the church.  This is for all Justice Ministry Members and anyone else interested in being a part of finding solutions. Contact Kabby for more information [email protected], 859-285-9695.

Important upcoming meetings:

Rally - April 9 7 PM, MQHR

Nehemiah Action - April 30, 7 PM Central Bank Center

Celebration - June 6, 7 PM, MQHR