Cumberland Valley Area Development District
Priority Needs 2001

The eight county Cumberland Valley Area Development District is unique in that it is covered by a disjointed network of six emergency and four transitional shelters. Bell, Clay, Harlan, Knox, Laurel, Rockcastle and Whitley counties have 10 homeless programs housing a total of 244 people with an additional 20 beds for disasters. Length of stay is based on the need. Some of the shelters specialize in services for alcohol/drug abuse, domestic violence victims, and mentally ill. The four emergency shelters in Harlan, Knox and Whitley counties also serve as transitional housing. An emergency shelter is under construction in Bell County and is expected to open sometime in 2001. Harlan County has received a grant for transitional housing. The project is currently under development.

Each county has several resources for emergency assistance. This may include medical assistance, food, clothing, educational services, case management, transportation and financial assistance. In addition, there are two strong nonprofit housing providers.  Each homeless service provider in the area works diligently to advocate on behalf of those served and to educate and promote awareness to the local communities.

The first priority need is continued support of the existing facilities and development and where, possible, additional services to increase coordination of these facilities.  These services should include a comprehensive case management system, after care services, self help programs, and instructional daily living skills building classes.  This priority is being addressed through ESG, 1996 Supportive Housing funds (in addition to the renewal of this program), and an expansion of the Supportive Housing Program to include the other four counties not covered by the 1996 SHP and its renewal (2001 SHP).

The second priority need for CVADD is the development and/or expansion of transitional housing opportunities and supportive services that enable residents to secure permanent housing in a timely manner. Due to the "real" unemployment rate, approximating 40 percent, the need for additional subsidized units continues. Of particular concern are the provisions of transitional services for the mentally ill, single parents, youth, victims of domestic violence, unemployed families, the mentally retarded and the elderly.

The third priority need is affordable, permanent, safe and standard housing.  This priority needs to be addressed in several ways. Where possible, incentives and support services should be used to assist families in increasing their income, preparing for homeownership and moving to unsubsidized permanent housing. In addition, the continuation of existing and new permanent housing. In addition, the continuation of existing and new permanent housing projects (i.e., home buyer and home construction) as well as the continuation and further development of home repair and rehabilitation programs (designed to prevent properties from becoming unsafe and substandard) will assist in meeting this need.   

The fourth priority is for home repair and rehabilitation programs to keep properties from becoming unsafe and substandard.

The fifth priority is for advocacy on the needs of homeless and economically disadvantaged persons, as well as citizen education about landlord/tenant rights.