FRANKFORT, Ky. — Frankfort continues to recover from historic flooding that claimed many homes and properties, but advocates near and far are helping the community heal.
Faith, recovery and helping one’s neighbor is the ongoing routine of those wanting to lend a hand, meal or support, including Capital City Cares, Frankfort's volunteer service group that supports families during moments of hardship and personal emergencies.
Capital City Cares started in 2021 after helping victims of the Mayfield tornado. Former City Commissioner Katrisha Waldridge co-founded the group, which is working to create a temporary clothing closet at Capital Plaza Hotel.
“When I found out that Capital Plaza had probably 80, 90 rooms that were just storm victims here and the flood victims, we said, 'Do you have a room?'” Waldridge said.
She said since opening, they have received loads of donations that have directly gone to affected families.
“They're here," Waldridge said. "We've prayed with some, we've cried with some and we've dressed people for even going to work two days after we had to dress two women to go to work."
They’re also working with the local housing authority to get people in low-income situations into homes. Capital City Cares will be stationed at Capital Plaza for the month.
Outside of the temporary hub, Waldridge drove through downtown in hard-hit neighborhoods to help and also connected with World Central Kitchen, an international organization that works to address hunger in critical situations such as after natural disasters.
Hannah Humphrey, WCK rapid response chief, said they can cook more than 1,000 meals daily.
“It has a homey type of feel and just welcoming, warm people here," Humphrey said. "Getting to be able to help a community is always nice. It feels like I get to help my family."
While these services are all temporary, Waldridge and Humphrey said they’ll continue to support the area when the need arises.
