Three agencies that provide assistance to Lexington’s homeless community have had a hand in a new way to distribute information about their services. It comes in the form of a water bottle.
In addition to addressing a basic need during hot summer months with water inside, the outside of the bottle provides information on services. The three panels offer details on sheltering and recovery along with job training and placement and adult education. Katie Vogel is director of development at the Hope Center.
“You know it’s intended to be for folks who have not founded us yet, who may be in need of our services, but haven’t come to our doors,” said Vogel.
Partnerships have been formed with businesses, churches, and other organizations in Lexington to get the water bottles into people’s hands. Vogel said these bottles are a good option when approached by a homeless person.
“If you see someone panhandling on the street this is a good alternative to handing out money because, it’s not only resources but it meets a basic need and so. In terms of community support, we’ve had a lot of that. It’s a little bit hard to measure in how effective they are in actually bringing clients to our doors,” said Vogel.
Vogel said Lexington citizens are urged to point homeless individuals to resources in the community and not give out money.
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