HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The City of Hopkinsville is considering investing $100,000 in a new domestic violence shelter that will be developed by Sanctuary Inc. During the May 21 Hopkinsville Committee of the Whole meeting, Executive Director Heather Lancaster talked about plans for the development, looking for financial support from the city.
“We are public safety, we are a lifesaving entity,” Lancaster told the councilmembers, explaining how their emergency shelter provides immediate assistance to women and families fleeing violence along with their long-term support through various programs and housing. Between 2024 and 2025 their shelter beds have provided over 15,467 nights to survivors.
Their current building was built in the 1800s and is in a heavily trafficked, public location. Construction is not estimated to start on the new property until 2027, allowing them to raise capital ahead of a groundbreaking.
“They see these ladies and children on their very, very worst days,” said Mayor James R. Knight during the meeting. “I think we as a city need to get behind this.”
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Where the money will come from, county and city support
After a brief discussion, councilmembers determined that the funds could be allocated from the capital equipment replacement reserve fund via a grant. The Christian County Fiscal Court already agreed to contribute the same amount to Sanctuary, with the $100,000 included in their proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Operating as a nonprofit, Sanctuary currently serves nine counties in the Pennyrile region and provides resources and support to residents both in an out of the shelter through programming and community awareness. Lancaster specified that they have also reached out to surrounding counties for financial support.
City CFO Melissa Clayton said utilizing this fund will not impact budgeted projects and leaves the city with the appropriate amount of money in case emergency expenditures arise. There is currently $800,000 in the fund. The $100,000 expenditure was forwarded to the Hopkinsville City Council for final approval.
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