Homeless Crisis Persists in KY Despite New Anti-Camping Law

The Impact of Kentucky's Anti-Camping Law on Homelessness

One year after a new law in Kentucky that banned street camping took effect, advocates say the legislation has made homelessness worse in the state. This law, part of a broader anti-crime bill known as the Safer Kentucky Act, was among the first of its kind in the United States to outlaw sleeping or camping in public spaces.

The law makes it illegal for someone to enter and stay in a public place with the intention of sleeping or camping, especially if they are using items like sleeping bags. Violations can result in fines of up to $250 for a first offense, which requires a court appearance. Repeat offenses can lead to jail time of up to 90 days and the same fine amount.

According to data from Kentucky’s Administrative Office of the Courts, there were 425 unlawful camping citations issued between July 15, 2024, and July 2, 2025. Jefferson County saw the highest number of citations, with nearly 177 cases, followed by Fayette with 57, Boyd with 51, and Daviess with 31. On average, this translates to over one citation per day across the state.

Advocates argue that instead of addressing the root causes of homelessness, the law is criminalizing people who are already struggling. Ashley Spalding, research director at the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, stated that this approach destabilizes the lives of unhoused individuals and limits their access to essential services.

Homeless individuals are often cited in places such as parks, bus stations, under viaducts, bridges, and outside private businesses. In a single night, 5,789 homeless people were counted in Kentucky, with nearly 2,000 having no shelter at all, according to the statewide K-Count.

In some cases, individuals who cannot afford to pay their fines end up being incarcerated, with each day in jail counting toward their debt. However, the state does not require courts to assess whether a person can afford the fine before imposing it, nor are there clear guidelines for determining financial inability.

Jefferson County has set up a specialized court to handle unlawful camping cases. Individuals cited must attend monthly court appointments and may have their cases dismissed if they complete a housing assessment, obtain a photo ID, or work with a service provider. Despite these efforts, experts note that very few people actually secure housing through this process.

The fear of being cited has caused many homeless individuals to move frequently or hide, making it more challenging for service providers to reach them. Jennifer Twyman, community organizer and manager of VOCAL-KY, explained that this fear leads to mistrust and reluctance to seek help.

Homeless individuals have shared their experiences with VOCAL-KY, highlighting the harsh realities of the law. One person reported being kicked awake and then cited shortly after. Another woman was arrested while trying to change clothes in a parking garage. A woman in Louisville even faced citation while in labor, though she later found housing.

Spalding emphasized that every citation or arrest comes with a story, and the law does not address the real issues behind homelessness. Instead, housing, care, and support services are needed to make a difference.

Since January 2025, homelessness in Lexington and Fayette County has increased by 12%, according to the Kentucky Housing Corporation's latest report. David Smillie, executive director at Louisville Outreach for the Unsheltered, noted a rise in what he calls "hybrid chronic homelessness," where people are pushed into unsafe conditions, making it harder for service providers to maintain contact.

This trend also leads to more people ending up in jail, according to advocates. Angela Cooper, communications director at the ACLU of Kentucky, said that increased incarceration is not a solution but rather a consequence of flawed policies.

The Kentucky Center for Economic Policy's report highlights the distribution of first-time unlawful camping citations by county:

• Jefferson: 164
• Fayette: 53
• Boyd: 47
• Daviess: 29
• Hardin: 14
• Franklin: 12
• Pulaski: 10
• Barren, Harlan, and Rowan: 6 (each)
• Christian, Kenton, and Laurel: 5 (each)
• Boone and Campbell: 4 (each)
• Bell and Johnson: 3 (each)
• Bullitt, Henderson, Jessamine, and Warren: 2 (each)
• Casey, Estill, Floyd, Grant, Knox, Pike, Scott, Spencer, Todd: 1 (each)

As the debate over the effectiveness of the law continues, advocates stress that solutions must focus on providing housing and support rather than punishing those in need.