In a move to better serve those in need, Paducah Cooperative Ministry (PCM) has announced changes in programming beginning in 2025, narrowing the ministry’s focus to two critical human necessities–food and shelter.
“We will be focusing our work on food insecurity and housing insecurity only in 2025,” Lacy Boling, Executive Director of Paducah Cooperative Ministry said. “Because of increases in demand for our services we have made the decision this is a more beneficial use of our time and resources.”
PCM recorded a 41% increase in families served through their food programs, from 2022 to 2023. On average the ministry provided groceries to more than 800 food insecure households each month in 2024.
Additionally, PCM provides transitional housing for women, mothers and their children in the ministry’s Fresh Start Village. Part of the assistance guests receive at Fresh Start Village includes food, transportation and other support services.
“We find the housing situation becoming much more critical at this point in time,” Boling added. “Costs are up and inventory in our area is down.”
With the significant increase in requests for assistance of all types impacting the ministry’s budget, the staff and PCM Board of Directors determined focusing on the areas the ministry has historically been known for was the best use of resources moving forward.
