08/27/2026
Earlier this month, the Paducah Police Department’s Deflection Team attended the Kentucky Affordable Housing Conference in Lexington, Kentucky, where they had the opportunity to share how their work is making a difference in the lives of people in our community.
The team presented to conference attendees about their individual roles, their interactions with community members, and their collaboration with Mental Health Court. Chris Booker, the Housing Connector with the Kentucky Housing Corporation, also highlighted the team’s caseload and the impact the Deflection Team has made since its creation.
One of the most powerful parts of the presentation focused on the team’s work with a local elderly woman who was experiencing homelessness and living on the steps of an abandoned building when the team first encountered her.
Initially, she was hesitant to engage and frequently asked the outreach team to leave. Rather than giving up, the team continued to build a relationship with her by providing basic necessities such as clothing and hygiene supplies. Over time, that relationship grew into trust. She eventually allowed the team to assist her in obtaining identification documents and exploring housing options.
Through continued collaboration with the Kentucky Housing Connector Team, the Deflection Team was ultimately able to help her secure housing and begin a new chapter in her life. Prior to working with the Deflections Team, patrol officers had responded numerous times to calls involving the woman.
This is what deflection is all about. It is about building relationships, connecting people with resources, meeting individuals where they are, and working collaboratively to find solutions that improve lives and strengthen our community.
We are proud of the meaningful work Allison and Matt continue to do every day.
