'I don't want to go to jail' Hundreds cited under Kentucky camping ban in first year
In the year since Kentucky passed the Safer Kentucky Act—making it a crime to sleep or camp on public property—over 400 people have been cited. Homeless outreach workers across the state, including L.O.U. Outreach Executive Director David Smillie, say the law has driven people deeper into hiding and further away from the services meant to help them. Volunteers at L.O.U. continue their weekly efforts, bringing food, water, and support directly to those in need, even as anxiety over enforcement grows.
The new law, aimed at reducing visible homelessness and pushing individuals toward treatment, has sparked debate. While some lawmakers call it a success, outreach leaders report that it’s made it significantly harder to reach and support those experiencing homelessness. The most recent statewide homelessness count shows unsheltered homelessness is rising, not falling—with many individuals too afraid to even be counted.
Despite these challenges, organizations like L.O.U. remain committed. Volunteers continue to show up, build trust, and meet people where they are, knowing that real help starts with listening—not citations.
