1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY -
4WardStrong Transitional Housing Community Services, Inc. respectfully submits this proposal to establish 4WardStrong Transitional Housing, a 4-5-bed, 24-month transitional housing program serving adults experiencing homelessness in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky. Louisville faces a persistent and growing homelessness crisis. According to a January 2024 Point-in-Time Count conducted by the Coalition for the Homeless, Jefferson County recorded over 1,728 individuals unhoused, and 595 unsheltered. The Point-in-Time Count conducted in January 2025 identified 1831\633, representing a 6% increase. Systemic barriers — including a severe shortage of affordable housing, high rates of substance use disorder, limited mental health services, and lack of
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employment pathways — perpetuates housing instability for thousands of residents. 4WardStrong Transitional Housing can address these challenges through guidance supported by coordinated services by supplying stable housing. With community reintegration support services, such as workforce development, and financial literacy education, our goal – assist participants into stable, permanent housing within 24 months.
STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY NEED -
2. Homelessness in Louisville Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky and the economic hub of the region. Despite its economic vitality, significant segments of the population face extreme housing instability. Key data points include: • 2024 PIT Count: 1,432 individuals experiencing homelessness, a 12% increase over the prior year • 41% of those counted were unsheltered (sleeping in places not meant for habitation) • Louisville's housing wage — the hourly wage needed to afford a two-bedroom apartment — is $21.73, while the average renter earns just $14.90/hour • The Jefferson County vacancy rate for affordable units (30% AMI) is below 2% • Over 60% of individuals served by Louisville shelters have co-occurring mental health and/or substance use disorders 2.2 Gaps in the Current Continuum of Care While Louisville's Continuum of Care (CoC) includes emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing, there is a critical gap in the journey from homeless to housing, 4WardStrong Transitional Housing will directly fill this gap.
3. PROGRAM SUMMARY -
Mission and Vision Mission: To provide safe, supportive transitional housing assistance that empower adults to overcome homelessness and achieve lasting housing stability. Vision: A community where every adult has access to safe housing, essential support services, and the opportunity to rebuild their life. 4wardStrong Transitional Housing will serve adults (age 18+) who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, including: • Individuals exiting emergency shelter or unsheltered situations, • Adults leaving correctional facilities with no stable housing plan, • Individuals in recovery from substance use disorder, • Veterans experiencing homelessness (in coordination with VA Louisville), and • Survivors of domestic violence (in coordination with LMPD and local DV services) 3.3 Services and Program Model 4WardStrong Transitional Housing utilizes a Housing First, trauma-informed care framework. All residents through established partnerships receive: • Safe, furnished private or semi-private rooms for up to 24 months • Access to cooking, laundry and hygiene facilities • Access to case management through Jefferson County Louisville Metro • Workforce readiness: resume writing, interview skills, job placement assistance • Financial literacy and banking access workshops • Life skills training: budgeting, cooking, and tenancy rights • Peer support programming led by individuals with lived experience of homelessness • Transportation assistance and bus passes 3.4 Program Phases Phase 1 — Stabilization (Months 1–6): Focus on immediate needs, safety planning, crisis stabilization, and building trusting relationships with case managers. Phase 2 — Skill Building (Months 7–18): Employment preparation, education enrollment, financial management, and community integration activities. Phase 3 — Independence Preparation (Months 19–24): Active housing search, lease signing support, coordination with landlords, and transition planning into permanent housing.
QUESTIONS? 4WardStrong@gmail.com