HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Joy Closet, a community foster resource, convened alongside DCBS workers and foster parents to unveil Hope House, which aims to offer shelter to foster children in need of immediate housing upon removal from their homes.
Barrett Ross, the Service Region Administrator Associate of DCDS, took the lead in articulating the necessity of such a facility during their community meeting April 18. Ross emphasizing Hope House’s potential to profoundly benefit both social workers and the foster care community.
Why Christian County needs Hope House
“I have seen foster kids OD in their foster homes, or bring a firearm into the home,” Ross said. “We have had foster parents call us late at night to bring these children out of their homes, with no time to prep or think, we just had to go.”
Ross elaborated about predicaments faced by these children, noting that they often have nowhere to turn except back to the DCBS office alongside their case worker. In many cases, these vulnerable children find themselves sleeping on a couch, air mattress, or even the floor while awaiting a new placement.
Heather Gray, Executive Director of Joy Closet, also addressed the gathering, reflecting on her two-year journey in conceptualizing Hope House. She conveyed her vision for the facility, which includes dedicated office space for case workers to conduct their work without the immediate presence of foster children. “Often times the child is right there next to the worker hearing no after no after no,” Gray said. Unfortunately, it can take many rejections before the worker is able to find a family to say yes, adding to the child’s distress.
Future of Hope House Construction
Julia Roberts, a Hopkinsville native and foster parent set to manage Hope House, eagerly anticipates its launch. Recalling a challenging moment as a foster parent when two children arrived in distressing conditions, she highlights the importance of Hope House. Instead of being rushed into an unprepared environment, children will receive immediate care at Hope House, including bathing, dressing, and nurturing. This sanctuary will spare them from further trauma and provide a supportive haven, alleviating additional stress during such vulnerable times, explains Roberts.
Lewis Stoll, CEO of Legacy Metals, is leading the charge in future construction endeavors. During the meeting, a detailed blueprint was unveiled, showcasing plans for various amenities within Hope House. These include a teen room, two kitchens, a master bath, a baby room, a living room, a giving room, a half bath, and a dedicated DCBS office, among others. The projected cost for construction, as per the blueprint, is estimated at $280,000.
Joy Closet is asking for sponsors or donations to help the much needed dream become a reality. Those who sponsor will also get the chance to name one of the spaces within the house. For more information call Joy Closet, 814 Belmont Street at 270-632-1232.
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