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Lexington, KY

Find alternatives to calling the Lexington Police Department.

Don't Call The Police logo, a database of alternatives to the police

Typically, people call the police because they are experiencing or perceive an emergency and need immediate assistance. In order to provide the most effective alternatives to calling the police or 911, unless otherwise indicated, the resources included here are limited to those that offer immediate assistance through emergency or crisis services.

These resources may be obligated to call police in the case of an immediate risk of harm to the caller or another, child abuse, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. Where we know or suspect that a resource may work in cooperation with law enforcement or involve them beyond what is required by law, we acknowledge that in the listing.

These resources are not intended to cover all situations, only to provide the services described. If you are in danger of immediate harm and feel safe doing so, call 911.

Housing
LGBTQ+
Mental Health
Domestic violence & Sexual assault
Youth
Elders
Crime
Substance abuse

Housing

LGBTQ+

  • Greenhouse17 (Formerly Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program)
  • Pride Community Services Organization*
    • The PCSO operates the only physical, community-based Pride Center in Kentucky. Also operate TransKY. Can offer support and referrals.
    • Tuesday -Friday, 1 p.m-6 p.m & Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
    • (859) 253-3233
    • http://www.pcsoky.org/
    • *Please note this is not an emergency service provider

Mental Health

  • New Vista
    • New Vista’s 24-Hour Helpline provides crisis services for mental health, substance use and intellectual and developmental disability emergencies. Staffed by trained crisis counselors. LGBTQ+ affirming.
    • 1 (800) 928-8000
    • https://www.newvista.org/

Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault

  • Greenhouse17 (Formerly Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program)
    • Provides emergency shelter, safety planning, and support services. LGBTQ+ affirming.
    • 1 (800) 544-2022 (24-hour crisis hotline)
    • https://greenhouse17.org/

Youth

Please note, people answering these calls may be mandatory reporters, and required to make a report to CPS or law enforcement in certain situations. Learn about local mandatory reporter laws here.

  • MASH Drop Inn
    • MASH Drop Inn serves children 0-17 years old who are runaway, homeless, or otherwise in crisis. All services are free. Limited capacity but if full will help to secure placement. A program of Arbor Youth Services.
    • 536 West Third StreetLexington, KY 40508
    • (859) 254-2501
    • https://arborky.org/services/
  • Arbor Youth Services – Project Safe Place
    • Arbor Youth Services is Central Kentucky’s ONLY Safe Place designated emergency shelter. Our Safe Place services provide access to immediate help and supportive resources for all young people in crisis. Youth can walk into any Safe Place site displaying the yellow sign and ask for help. Safe Place sites then contact Arbor Youth, and we send someone immediately to help the youth in crisis. 
    • Text “SAFE” and current location to 4HELP (44357)

Elders

Coming soon.

Crime

Coming soon.

Substances

Coming soon.

Please consider using these alternatives to calling the Lexington Police Department or 911 when faced with a situation that calls for de-escalation and/or intervention.

We have tried to indicate where police or law enforcement may work with the alternative resources listed; please let us know if you have any concerns about these resources.

Reimagine public safety. Don’t call the police.

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