LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — A newly released study by the city of Lexington shows that in five years, the city's homeless population has increased by 34%. Leaders said change needs to be made to reverse that trend.

"We need to build a permanent shelter," said Charlie Lanter, Commissioner of Housing Advocacy and Community Development.

Lanter added that the city is spending so much money every year on a seasonal shelter that it could almost run a permanent shelter with those funds.

The $155,000 study that was conducted by EHI Consultants, a Lexington community planning firm, revealed there is a need for a "low-barrier shelter." This would have semi-private units open to people who have been barred from other shelters because of past crimes, drug use, etc.

This is why the city has announced

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