Somerset — Emotions are still running high several weeks after homeless individuals were discussed — many believe callously — during a Somerset City Council meeting.

But those who work to bring assistance to homeless individuals and families are hoping the uproar will work to educate people about Somerset’s homeless population.

“There has been an increase in need for assistance,” said Scarlette Jasper, assistant executive director of Potentials, Inc.

Those at Potentials, Inc. continue a mission that began years ago — to aid the homeless through providing shelter and items such as food and clothing, and to assist those considered to be in “precarious” living situations through financial assistance.

The facility that houses Potentials, Inc. is tucked into a residential area in downtown Somerset off Langdon Street. Although the building doesn’t really stand out, it’s there that numerous people in need seek help each day.

“We’ve been providing homeless services ... for more than three years,” Jasper said.

Basically, Jasper and the nonprofit organization’s director, Charlotte Tribble, and volunteers work out of the small building every day to bring assistance to those in need.

And there are more than some think.

According to a study, called the “Point-in-Time Count” released by Kentucky Housing Corporation in cooperation with the Kentucky Interagency Council on Homelessness, as of January 28, 2010, 119 homeless individuals were recorded to be in Pulaski County. That was out of a total of 6,623 homeless individuals, which include children, counted in Kentucky.

“They (homeless people and families) are already here, and people don’t understand they’re already here,” Jasper said.

Although the issue has been brought to the forefront by a discussion that took place during a Somerset City Council meeting last month, Somerset Mayor Eddie Girdler said he’s been in talks with Tribble and Jasper for several months about offering more options for the area’s homeless — including providing some type of shelter.

“We did discuss with Potentials Inc. about the possibility of a homeless shelter,” Girdler said.

Jasper and Tribble said rural homelessness is a different beast entirely than urban homelessness — which is what many people imagine when they hear the word ‘homeless.’

The images of single individuals, wrapped in rags, sleeping on urban streets is often conjured.

In Somerset and other rural areas, those people don’t often label themselves as ‘homeless.’

“Here, when people come in here, they say they’re in ‘a difficult situation,’” Jasper said.

Falling on hard times and facing homelessness is considered stigmatizing in many areas like Somerset.

But Jasper and Tribble said that’s the attitude that needs to change. Many families in need find themselves without employment — due to factors that are out of their control, such as the recession — or struggling with illnesses that drain their income.

“It (losing your home) could happen in a moment’s notice,” said Girdler, who worked with the Somerset Housing Authority before becoming mayor.

Before they know it, they’re facing the loss of their home and an inability to raise a family.

“We have seen a lot more families facing this situation for the first time probably in the last six months to one year,” Jasper said.

And that’s when Potentials, Inc. steps in. The nonprofit organization, which also operates the Harmony Hospitality House, offers several different assistance programs. Those who are finding themselves with no home and no place to go are offered emergency shelter through local hotels and motels. Food and necessary items such as clothing and personal hygiene products are available.

Sometimes, a hot shower is all that’s needed, and Potentials, Inc. can offer just that.

Other times, long-term assistance is needed. Potentials, Inc. offers financial counseling, along with comprehensive case management for clients that can help them obtain benefits such as disability. Educational workshops — such as default and foreclosure counseling services — are also offered for free.

A majority of those seeking help are those considered to be “precariously housed:” People living in substandard housing conditions, double- or tripled-up with family and friends, or expecting eviction within seven days.

The 2010 “Point-in-Time Count” recorded 9,800 precariously-housed people in the state. That includes more than 500 people, including children, counted in Pulaski County.

“We try to prevent families from becoming homeless,” Jasper said.

Jasper and Tribble maintain a working relationship with Kentucky Housing Corporation, which refers families in need to the organization.

“We want to be able to expand our services,” Jasper said, noting that the nonprofit operates through state funding, grants and donations. “If people are interested and want to help, then they need to call us.”

Friday’s discussion between potentials, Inc. and Girdler seemed to show some progress toward bringing a shelter into Somerset. Girdler told the Commonwealth Journal on Saturday that funding has been tentatively secured for a facility, and he noted that a possible building may have been found.

“We think it’s very workable,” he said. “We’re very excited about the possibility of at least making the facility available to the community.

“I think that we can pretty well do that with the city council’s support,” he added.

For more information about Potentials, Inc., or if you’re interested in donating funds, time or items, call 416-5711.

For a list of community resources in Somerset, see the accompanying box with this article.