Drug Treatment Offered At Homeless Shelter
Appalachian News-Express
March 8, 2006

Pike County's homeless population will soon have access to the tools necessary to establish more productive lives, thanks to a charitable organization that continues to make an impact in the area.

Pikeville City officials announced Tuesday that WestCare Kentucky will assume control over the Pikeville Homeless Shelter April 1.

"I am very pleased the City of Pikeville and WestCare have partnered to provide services to the citizens of Pike County," said Mayor Franklin D. Justice, II. "I have the utmost confidence in this organization's professionalism and ability to provide a homeless and transitional living facility as well as offering much needed counseling services associated with substance abuse and mental health issues."

The shelter, which opened in 1992, is housed in a two-story building, has 36 beds and serves over 360 individuals each year. The shelter will continue to operate on the top floor of the building.

WestCare, which operates a drug treatment facility in Ashcamp and will be administering a drug treatment program at the Pike County Detention Center, will use the first floor to establish its new Community Involvement Center.

The center will provide licensed outpatient group and individual counseling for both adult males and females, as well as offer regular NA, AA, Hebron, and Lifeline support group meetings. WestCare will also offer family support counseling for individuals who have loved ones in a residential program.

Eventually, WestCare would like to include a program to assist residents with finding jobs, creating a resume and providing interview skills, said Jenifer Noland, Vice- President of WestCare Kentucky.

"We want to offer all the components needed to live a successful life," Noland said.

News Editor Andrea Bennett can be reached via e-mail at abennett@news-expressky.com