As we look back on all of the blessings 2022 has brought us, we are most thankful for our new building that opened on February 14th, 2022. Our 10,000 square feet doubled our square footage from our Scott Street location and finally allowed us to be 24 hours per day x 365 days a year! This additional space has been critical to the 868 unique guests we served this past year.
Since July 1, 2022, ESNKY has served 868 guests, with 60 new faces just in December. That adds up to almost 9,000 bed nights! We also served 133 guests in our new Daytime Navigation and Engagement Center and provided 873 self-service laundry visits. These new facilities have been life-changing in supporting the basic needs of our guests, which is a crucial step towards stability.
One of the most notable guests we served was Chance. During the one week he spent with us, he continued to work full time and saved for a deposit. He utilized the computers in our Daytime Navigation & Engagement Center to find an apartment all on his own. With just a little extra support from our community and the services the shelter provides, Chance is set up for a fresh start in 2023.
Over the Holidays, were asked to serve as a warming center in Kenton County as part of the state of emergency declared by Governor Andy Beshear for seven days in addition to our regular shelter and services. ESNKY took in 81 guests overnight on Christmas Eve into Christmas Day. Our wonderful staff rose to the challenge and continued operations to support our guests through the blizzard.
Lastly, we’d like to thank the volunteers and the donations that were made in 2022. Because of you, were able to make a difference and change lives this past year. We look forward to what 2023 will bring to our community, our shelter, and how we will continue to work together!