Still Pushing for Change: My Journey to Spark Action in Ashland and Beyond

Still Pushing for Change: My Journey to Spark Action in Ashland and Beyond

Hey everyone,

It’s Catherine Christenberry here, and I’m back with another update on my unwavering fight for our unhoused neighbors. As many of you know, my husband, our service dog, and I have been living out of our vehicle right here in Ashland since May 2024. This isn't just an abstract issue for me; it's our daily reality, while we navigate waiting lists for housing and I continue my battle for disability, stemming from my severe chronic illnesses linked to the toxic water exposure from Camp Lejeune, where I was conceived and born.

Despite the profound challenges we face, our commitment to helping others experiencing homelessness in Ashland has only deepened. We're on the streets, offering compassion and presence, and witnessing firsthand the escalating and truly horrific violence targeting the most vulnerable among us.

The Hard Truth on Ashland's Streets: Cruelty Has Become a Sport

I've shared before the chilling incidents I've witnessed and, frankly, been subjected to. This isn't just harassment; it's targeted terrorism against people simply trying to survive. The situation has intensified, and the acts of intimidation, physical assault, and even sexual assault continue unabated.

Let me be clear: this isn't just "boys being boys." It's a calculated campaign of fear, and the stories I've gathered are heartbreaking:

 * Last night, between 10pm on June 19, 2025, and 5am on June 20, 2025, someone started keying and scratching words into our car twice while we were sleeping. I don't know if we or someone else startled them, but they didn't finish. This act of vandalism while we were inside our only shelter is a terrifying escalation.

 * A few months ago, a truckload of young adults deliberately blared a horn and screamed at me, triggering severe PTSD.

 * A well-known unhoused man, sleeping peacefully, was chased, beaten, and thrown into traffic by a group of young people, where he was struck by a car. Shockingly, no charges were filed.

 * A distinctive red truck with a lifted frame has become a symbol of terror, revving its engine inches from people's heads, stalking them, and even driving onto sidewalks to intimidate them.

 * My own vehicle was recently surrounded by this same group, their headlights glaring into our home for hours—a blatant act of targeting and intimidation.

 * Recently, a young unhoused girl and her dog were attacked by this group. When she bravely defended herself, she was reportedly threatened with arrest by the police.

 * And most devastatingly, I've been informed of an older man in a gray truck preying on and sexually assaulting unhoused women. These women are so traumatized and vulnerable that they are terrified to report what has happened.

This terrifying silence is a critical barrier to justice. The unhoused individuals I speak with are overwhelmingly afraid of retaliation from their attackers. They also hold a deep-seated distrust of law enforcement, believing that reporting will only lead to further complications or blame for themselves, not help or protection. This means the true scope of these abhorrent crimes is severely underreported in official channels.

Pushing Local Leaders: Navigating the Bureaucratic Maze

I've been relentless in reaching out to our local and state officials, demanding immediate action. My initial appeals brought standard, polite redirections—a common "bureaucratic maze" where urgent concerns can get lost in the shuffle.

My follow-up communication focused squarely on this "fear and distrust" barrier. I emphasized that without addressing this profound apprehension, any official response would be inherently flawed.

Here's a glimpse into the responses I've received, and what I'm learning:

 * From Governor Beshear's Office: While acknowledging my concerns, their responses have consistently reiterated that "laws are made by your legislators" and encouraged me to engage with local city and county officials directly. They astutely pointed out the value of getting on public meeting dockets to reach both elected officials and the broader community. This reinforces the need for local, grassroots pressure.

 * From a Boyd County Commissioner (Commissioner Jeremy): He expressed sadness about the fear and distrust but highlighted the challenge of launching investigations without official police reports. He advised me to communicate directly with the Ashland Police Department, viewing me as the source of information. Importantly, he clarified his county jurisdiction versus city jurisdiction, directing me to Ashland City officials for city-specific matters.

   * However, he also offered tangible help! As the director of The Neighborhood, he confirmed 22 security cameras and outdoor lighting are installed at The Ashland Community Kitchen, where many unhoused individuals eat. He also pointed to PATHWAYS for mental health and victim support, a partner agency at The Neighborhood. He even engaged on my suggestion for self-defense education, asking for more details, which is an opening for further discussion.

 * From an Ashland City Commissioner (Commissioner Richard Martin): After some initial email troubles on his end, Commissioner Martin replied, stating he was "open to hearing more regarding [my] expressed concerns." This is a significant positive sign, as it indicates a willingness to engage directly.

My Path Forward: Persistent Pressure and Public Engagement

These interactions, while sometimes frustrating, have illuminated the path forward. I'm taking the advice to heart and doubling down on local engagement:

 * Direct Communication with Ashland Officials: I am directly engaging the Ashland City Commissioners (including Commissioner Martin), Mayor Charles, City Manager Grubb, and Police Chief Kelley. I've re-sent my detailed plea, emphasizing the violence and the crucial barrier of victim fear. I'll also be reporting the recent vandalism to my vehicle.

 * Getting on the Docket: My next crucial step is to formally request to be placed on the agenda for upcoming Ashland City Commission meetings (typically the second Tuesday at 5 PM and fourth Thursday at 12 PM) and Boyd County Fiscal Court meetings (often the second Tuesday of the month, with a specific meeting on June 26th at 12 PM). This will allow me to present my case directly to elected officials in a public forum, inviting community awareness and support.

 * Elaborating on Solutions: I'm clarifying my vision for "self-defense education" to Commissioner Jeremy, emphasizing empowerment against serious assault, not just bullying. I'm also exploring partnerships for this unique need.

 * Targeting Federal Agencies: While local action is paramount, the systemic issues require federal attention. I'm drafting appeals to HUD, HHS, DOJ, and VA, armed with my comprehensive strategy.

Investing in Solutions, Not Sanctions: A National Blueprint

Beyond Ashland, my vision extends to a more just and compassionate society for all vulnerable individuals across the United States. Our current national response to homelessness is reactive and fragmented, imposing an "invisible tax" on American communities. Jailing individuals for minor offenses related to homelessness, relying on expensive emergency rooms, and perpetuating a cycle of dependency costs taxpayers anywhere from $30,000 to over $80,000 per chronically homeless individual per year. This is unsustainable.

I propose a national initiative to establish Comprehensive Integrated Service Hubs in every county. These hubs, exemplified by my "Phoenix House Blueprint," would be a dignified single point of entry for holistic services: from emergency shelter and rapid rehousing to integrated healthcare, employment assistance, and educational programs. The "Housing First" approach isn't just humane; it's fiscally responsible. Studies show every $1 invested in Housing First yields $1.44 or more in societal cost savings, and communities like Houston have seen a 62% reduction in homelessness by adopting this model.

These hubs would offer a full spectrum of support, from basic needs and mental health services (including trauma-informed care for survivors of violence) to job placement, legal aid, and even veterinary care for beloved pets.

We must recognize that homelessness disproportionately affects certain groups:

 * Over 190,000 individuals nationwide were experiencing chronic homelessness in 2023.

 * Nearly 1 in 4 people experiencing homelessness in 2023 were families with children.

 * Approximately 35,574 veterans experienced homelessness in 2023.

 * Over 33,000 unaccompanied youth (under 25) were unhoused in 2023.

 * Racial and ethnic minorities are significantly overrepresented due to systemic inequities: for example, Black individuals comprised 37% of the homeless population but only 13% of the U.S. population in 2023. Hispanic/Latino individuals were 28% of the homeless population versus 19% of the U.S. population. Indigenous populations are also disproportionately affected.

My journey—from early life health battles due to Camp Lejeune exposure, to navigating motherhood, and now experiencing homelessness—has strengthened my resolve to be a voice for the marginalized. Mercy, compassion, and advocating for human dignity are the guiding forces of my work as an ordained multifaith chaplain.

Join the Fight for Justice and Dignity

This fight is a marathon, not a sprint. Change doesn't happen overnight, but every single push, every letter, every conversation, every shared story, matters.

What can you do?

 * Share this blog post and my previous ones. Help amplify these unheard voices.

 * Contact your own local and state representatives. Even a quick email echoing concern about violence against the unhoused and advocating for humane solutions makes a difference. You can find contact information for Ashland City officials (Mayor Charles, City Manager Grubb, Police Chief Kelley, and City Commissioners) on the official City of Ashland website. For your specific Kentucky State Representative and Senator, use the "Find Your Legislator" tool on the Kentucky Legislature's website.

 * Support local organizations working directly with the unhoused in your area. They are on the front lines and need resources.

 * Consider attending a local public meeting. Your presence and voice can make a difference.

Thank you for standing with me in this ongoing fight for justice and dignity. We will keep pushing.

You can learn more about our work and vision through our platforms:

 * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.hopeful.guard?_t=ZP-8x9FZgVdWj0&_r=1

 * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BfhBtMUGU/

 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehopefulguardian?igsh=MTB6NjJqbW02OTd3ZQ==

 * Blog: https://missionofmercyproject.blogspot.com/

 * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHopefulGuardian

 * Flip Shop: https://flip.shop/people/cat_christenberry13

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