Metro Council Increases Living Room Funding for 2018-19 Budget Year

Louisville, Kentucky—Metro Council approved an increase in funding for Centerstone Kentucky’s Living Room program at its recent Budget Committee hearing. The Living Room will receive $1,000,000, which is a $350,000 increase in the proposed budget. The additional funding will help Centerstone Kentucky expand its program, which aims to divert those with substance use or mental health issues into treatment and services instead of jail.

“We’re thankful to Louisville Metro Council for providing additional funds for the Living Room, and for their ongoing support of this necessary program,” said Centerstone Kentucky’s CEO Anthony Zipple. “We’d like to especially thank Mayor Fischer for including the Living Room in his budget and Council leaders like Angela Leet and Barbara Sexton Smith, who spent many hours learning about and advocating for this solution. With this increased funding, the Living Room can expand its ability to connect individuals who are struggling with substance use and mental health issues to the help they need, which will save police officer time, court costs, and jail expenses.”

The Living Room is available for police drop-off 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is located at 708 Magazine Street, Louisville, Kentucky, 40203. Intended to be a safe, calming space for adults in crisis, its services include peer support, referrals to community resources and treatment programs, and health and vital checks. For more information about the Living Room, call (502) 287-0607.