Wellspring

Steve Perkins Receives Statewide Award

Jun 15, 2005

The work of Steve Perkins and Wellspring in addressing homelessness and at-risk Kentuckians in need of high quality housing and intensive supported services was recognized at the Supportive Housing in Kentucky Conference in May. Perkins received the 2005 Jim Sparks Award for an individual that has done the most for supportive housing in Kentucky.

In presenting the state-wide award, Jim Sparks, supportive housing specialist at the Kentucky Housing Corp. stated, "Too often we look to other states for examples of model supportive housing programs when we an example of one of the best here in Kentucky in Wellspring in Louisville. We see that other programs with national reputations have access to extensive state and local resources, while Wellspring has had to cobble funding together a program and a project at a time and must tap into public and private funds to keep their programs operating. Their private donation campaign could serve as a model for any nonprofit in the nation on how to tap into corporate and private contributors."

Lou Kurtz, associate director for planning, Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, says, "Under Steve's leadership, Wellspring has taken many risks in developing new, critical programs that serve individuals with significant disabilities. He has always insisted on high quality clinical services as well as high quality construction and good design." This approach helps seven out of ten Wellspring clients return to permanent, affordable housing after transitioning from their respective clinical program into a community setting.