Paducah Police Deflection Team highlights work helping homeless woman find housing

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — The Paducah Police Department’s Deflection Team recently highlighted its community outreach efforts during the Kentucky Affordable Housing Conference in Lexington.

The team discussed its work with community members, collaboration with Mental Health Court and efforts to connect people with housing and other resources.

Police highlighted the case of an elderly woman who was experiencing homelessness and living on the steps of an abandoned building when the team first contacted her. Officers had previously responded to numerous calls involving the woman.

Police said she was initially hesitant to accept help, but the Deflection Team continued providing clothing, hygiene supplies and other necessities while building a relationship with her.

Over time, the woman allowed the team to help her obtain identification documents and explore housing options. Through collaboration with the Kentucky Housing Connector Team, she eventually secured housing.

The department said the case demonstrates the Deflection Team’s focus on building relationships and connecting people with resources to address issues outside of traditional law enforcement responses.