Two From UK to Help Lead Mayor's Commission on Homelessness

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 6, 2012) — Two from the University of Kentucky have been named by Lexington Mayor Jim Gray to help lead the Mayor’s Commission on Homelessness.

James P. "Ike" Adams, dean of the UK College of Social Work, and Melody Flowers, assistant director for strategic planning at UK HealthCare, will serve on the commission's steering committee. The 31-member commission will examine long-term challenges and outstanding needs of those who are homeless, and of the community at-large as it relates to homelessness. The steering committee will direct the work of the commission and keep it on track.

"I’m impressed with the array of talent the mayor has assembled to address the persistent and daunting problem of homelessness and am confident that we will give our best efforts to yield practical recommendations," Adams said.

In addition to Adams and Flowers, the steering committee includes the commission's chair, Councilmember Steve Kay, whose professional career has involved managing public engagement projects; its co-chair, Debra Hensley, a leading businesswoman and former councilmember who was one of the leaders of the drive to build the Hope Center; and Pastor Mark Davis, of Lexington's First Presbyterian Church.

The group is expected to hold its first meeting later this summer. Gray has asked the group to report back to him by Jan. 15, 2013.

MEDIA CONTACT: Keith Hautala, (859) 323-2396; keith.hautala@uky.edu