Tuesday October 14, 2025
Local Connection
Weather
Traffic
@LouisvilleDispatch
@LouisvilleDisp
Subscribe
The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels (HOKC) will award a $25,000 emergency grant for specific tangible items to the Coalition for the Homeless, a Louisville organization working to prevent and end homelessness.
HOKC Commanding General Lynn Ashton said, “Our intent is to get the ball rolling and encourage other non-profit organizations and the Louisville community to join us and partner with the Coalition.”
HOKC Executive Director Sherry Crose added, “We recognize the hard work of Metro Government with the challenge of homelessness in the downtown area, but they cannot do it themselves. This is the home of our headquarters and also where the state’s biggest homeless population exists.”
Coalition for the Homeless Executive Director Natalie Harris said: “We cannot thank Metro Louisville and the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels enough for seeing this important community need and leading the way to make change. We can reach the goal of helping those in need by following Metro Government’s lead and the HOKC through gifts from our compassionate community, but only if everyone gives what they can to help our homeless neighbors.
Louisville Metro Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith added: “I am grateful and not surprised that more organizations and individuals are stepping up to help those experiencing homelessness in our community. Hats off to the Honorable Order of the Kentucky Colonels for leading the way with a major financial donation! It is my hope many more will follow.”
HOKC is a 501(c)(3) supporting Kentucky charities and worthy organizations through its Good Works Program. All donations are given by Colonels appointed by the Governor, who chose to exercise this honor in a meaningful way. For more information go to www.kycolonels.org.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
He served the community of Louisville for more than 40 years as a pastor and an advocate for housing and civil rights for all in the city.
On Saturday, December 15th, Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4) will join the family and friends of the late Dr. James E. Miller and unveil an honorary sign on Golden Rule Way near the church where he preached.
“Dr. Miller led the Lampton Baptist Church and his impact reached far beyond its sanctuary for many years,” says Sexton Smith. “He was a strong leader involved in the NAACP and the Housing Authority of Louisville where touched the lives of several generations.”
Dr. James Elijah Miller was born on July 2, 1936 in Dallas, Texas. He received degrees from both Butler College and Dallas Theological Seminary. He began preaching as a teenager at Beulah Baptist Church in Texas, and later preached at Greater Galilee Baptist Church in Oklahoma before being called to serve in Louisville.
For 44 years, he was Pastor of Lampton Baptist Church in Louisville for 44 years, and after retirement he joined Christ’s Church of Our Community as an Associate Pastor.
During his life he served the Louisville community for more than 40 years in various ways including the following: hosting the Annual Martin Luther King Memorial Program, was an active member of the NAACP’s State Conference and an integral part of the 1979 NAACP National Convention in Louisville.
Mayor Harvey Sloane appointed him as Board Commissioner of the Housing Authority of Louisville where he served for 10 years and also awarded him with the key to the City of Louisville.
Dr. Miller was married to the late Doris Fay Lyons and had four children, Rev. Joel Miller, Rev. David Miller, JoAnna Harlan, and DeAnna Miller-Wooden. He went to his heavenly reward on September 2, 2018, and leaves behind his children, sisters, and many grandchildren, godchildren and great grandchildren.
Councilwoman Sexton Smith sponsored the Resolution which called for the placement of an honorary street sign Dr. Miller’s service to Louisville Metro is hereby recognized with the placement of honorary street signs on Golden Rule Way at the corners of both 4th Street and 5th Street next to the Immanuel Baptist Church and be designated as “Dr. James E. Miller Way.”
The unveiling ceremony will take place at 11:00am at the corner of South Fourth Street and Golden Rule Way located next to Immanuel Baptist Church.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Elementary school students at six schools in District 6 will get a special present this year when Councilman David James (D-6) hosts the Winter Wonderland Coat Giveaway on Friday, December 14th.
“Once again, this year we will be able to give warm coats to some students in need to help them stay warm during the winter and achieve great things at school,” says James. “This is the time of year when it is better to give than receive and some great sponsors are helping me achieve that goal.”
On Friday, December 14th, Councilman James will be distributing coats to students who attend Frayser, Englehard, Cochran, McFerran, Wheatly and Brandeis Elementary School at First Gethsemane Center for Family Development, 1221 First Gethsemane Avenue.
The students who have the greatest need were identified through their Jefferson County Public Schools Resource Counselors.
The giveaway was made possible through some very generous sponsors who have helped out at many seasonal District 6 events this year.
Councilman James has partnered with Kosair Charities, AL J Schneider Companies, Toys For Tots and Play Louisville to assist in this year’s program. The Councilman also gives special thanks to UAW Local 862 and Walmart.
“I want to thank all the sponsors who are making sure the children of our area have a nice holiday,” says James. “One of our themes for the Winter Wonderland Coat Giveaway is: The list has been made and checked twice, no naughtiness here, just to be nice!”
The fun begins at 6:00pm on Friday, December 14th.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Councilwoman Mary C. Woolridge will join the Louisville (KY) Alumni and Alpha Omicron (Undergraduate Members of the University of Louisville) Chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, and the Louisville Kappa League for their annual task on Saturday, December 15th.
Their holiday mission is to deliver Christmas Meal Baskets to needy families throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
“This is the time of year to reach out and help families in our community,” says Woolridge. “I am once again happy to join Kappa Alpha Psi, a dedicated organization of caring individuals in our city, on this important project.”
Kappa Alpha Psi began this annual initiative after deciding those in need should not go without food on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Joining Councilwoman Woolridge and the Fraternity in this effort is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 77.
“Part of our mission is to enrich our communities and the families within it. Giving back is one of the most important and valuable things an organization can do, especially during the holidays,” says Eric Stout, President of the Louisville (KY) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. “We have a rich tradition of compassion, community service, and giving – all ingredients to a healthy and blessed holiday spirit. We are thankful to have supporters like the Councilwoman Woolridge, Big Brother Big Sisters of Kentuckiana and FOP Lodge 77, join our efforts year after year.”
Kappa Alpha Psi has already identified the families in need and on Saturday, will deliver Christmas baskets with food to cook a full course meal. Since 1984, over 1,200 baskets have been delivered during the holidays. This equates to over 40,000 pounds of food.
“This program not only provides a benefit to the community but I have to commend Kappa Alpha Psi for using it as a way to show younger members the importance of community service,” says Woolridge. “Caring for those in need is a year round commitment and what better time to begin such a journey.”
Here is Saturday’s Schedule for this year’s Christmas Meal basket Program:
- 8:30 AM Meet at Walmart Neighborhood Market 5360 Dixie Louisville, KY 40216
- 9:00 AM Begin Delivery of Baskets to Families
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
For the second year in a row, Councilman David Yates (D-25) is calling upon the community to become part of the spirit of giving. He is collecting NEW coats and jackets to be distributed to children in need throughout our community.
“There are many children in need, that without our help, may not be able to stay warm this winter,” says Yates. “The spirit of giving is throughout our community and I tell anyone who can help us with this cause, now is the time!”
Over the last few months the Councilman has partnered with Shirley’s Way and Khalil’s on Dixie Highway to sponsor coat drives during the Shirley’ Way Queen of Hearts drawing, collecting over 100 New Coats from generous donors throughout our community.
Last year, the effort collected some 300 new coats for children in the Jefferson County School system.
“I encourage all neighbors, neighborhood associations, local businesses, and community organizations to step up and donate,” says Yates.
The Metro Council Coat Drive will culminate during a press conference scheduled Monday, December 17th, at 11:00 AM at City Hall in Council Chambers. During the press conference David would like to recognize all participating businesses and organizations and encourages them to send a representative to speak on their behalf.
South end schools will be present at the press conference collecting coats for students in need specifically identified by school counselors, teachers and staff. All remaining coats will be donated to the Jefferson County Public Schools Clothing Assistance Program to benefit students across the city.
All coats can be dropped off at City Hall, 601 W. Jefferson Street, 40202 or contact Councilman Yates’ office at 574-1125 to request the Councilman’s office pick up your donations.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Councilwoman Mary C. Woolridge will once again bring holiday cheer to the children of District 3 and their families with the Annual District 3 Holiday Party and Toy Give – A – Way set for Saturday, December 15th.
“In all my years on the Metro Council, this event has been one of my favorites to make sure the children of our area have a wonderful Christmas,” says Woolridge. “Our holiday party is designed to make sure no child is forgotten during this season of giving. The holiday season should be a very special time for all of us, children especially needs to enjoy this season.”
The District 3 Holiday Party and Toy Give-A-Way will take place on Saturday, December 15th at the C. E. Kirby Center, 2308 Algonquin Parkway which is adjacent to Southern Star Baptist Church.
The party gets underway from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 PM.
There will be fun, refreshments and entertainment.
Councilwoman Woolridge will have more than 200 toys to be given away along with candy and other items. The party is for children between the ages of three and thirteen. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
“I hope every deserving child in our area will come and join us as we spread joy and some fun during this holiday season,” says Woolridge.
For more information about the Annual District 3 Holiday Party and Toy Give-A-Way, contact Councilwoman Woolridge’s office at 574-1103.
Credit: Louisville Metro Police
One year after its start as a pilot program limited to two Louisville Metro Police divisions, the Living Room program is now open to the public.
Mayor Greg Fischer joined partners from Centerstone, Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, LMPD, Metro Corrections and Metro Council today for a special Open House and press conference to celebrate the Living Room’s one-year anniversary and newly expanded services.
The Living Room is a safe, calming space where adults in crisis can be connected with needed resources to address mental health and substance use disorder, as opposed to costly and often unnecessary stays in jail, emergency rooms or inpatient hospitalization.
The low-barrier facility, located at 708 Magazine Street, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Since its soft opening on December 10, 2017, the Living Room has served more than 1,100 guests and provided more than 8,000 hours of care to people in crisis in our community.
“Adding the Living Room to the services we have available in Louisville has been a great achievement over the past year,” said Mayor Fischer. “Helping to connect people in crisis to support and services is just one more way that Louisville is proving itself to be a compassionate city.”
The Living Room first opened as a pilot project with two Louisville Metro Police Divisions, who tested the feasibility of bringing individuals in crisis to the center instead of jail or the hospital. By March 2018, all eight LMPD divisions had begun utilizing the program.
The Living Room has been able to expand services even more in recent months thanks to renewed funding from Louisville Metro Council. Updates include:
- Renovation of the space to be more user-friendly and secure;
- Addition of medical services at the site during certain hours of the day; and
- Addition of transportation to help get clients get to and from the Living Room and other services.
Last month, the Living Room completely opened its doors to the public. Guests no longer require a referral from police, hospitals or other sources. Now, they simply need to ring the doorbell to get assistance.
“We at Centerstone couldn’t be prouder of the work that has gone into establishing this valuable community resource,” said Abby Drane, President & CEO, Centerstone Kentucky. “Since opening to the public, the Living Room as seen a 25 percent increase in guest check-ins – illustrating the need this community has for low-barrier crisis diversion services.”
Centerstone staff expect to see continued growth as they launch a public awareness initiative to get the word out about available services.
Students from the University of Louisville Criminal Justice program will continue to be involved in studying the effectiveness of the program, to help determine how many resources are being saved by diverting people away from jails and hospitals.
