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Housing the homeless is 'the right thing,' even as record-setting winter strains shelter resources

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COVINGTON, Ky. -- The Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky opened ahead of schedule in 2017 as "dangerous, brutal" temperatures swept into the Tri-State area, and homeless Kentuckians' need for safe places to sleep hasn't ebbed since. 

"I have to make the most of the resources that are given," Curtis Jordan, who stayed at the shelter, said.

Between Oct. 29, 2017, and Feb. 8, 2018, the shelter served over 360 adult clients like Jordan and remained open around the clock for 15 days.

It's necessary, executive director Kim Webb said, even despite the strain continuous operation can put on the shelter's finances.

"In the bottom line, it comes down to, ‘Are we doing the right thing?'" she said. "The right thing is to open our doors."

It costs the shelter $20 per night to house a person. They're 92 percent privately funded, and donations make up the difference.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky can do so at its website.