Grant Award to Expand Shelter Capacity
KCEOC Community Action Partnership (KCEOC CAP) will soon expand its Emergency Support Center thanks to a $10,000 grant from the KFC Foundation. The funds will help increase shelter capacity, allowing KCEOC to better serve the growing number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. “We are deeply grateful to the KFC Foundation for this Kentucky Fried Wishes grant, which will allow us to house 5–7 more beds, larger families, and have a fully handicap accessible space at our homeless shelter,” said Paul D. Dole, President/CEO of KCEOC Community Action Partnership. Dole explained that the need for housing assistance continues to grow across the region. “We are seeing an influx of people and families needing help and experiencing homelessness for the first time. Most of our homeless clients are hard-working people who just can’t keep up with the rising cost of living and housing prices. Community Action is the poverty-fighting network. We’re here to offer a hand up, but our shelters are overflowing. We are grateful for this grant that will be a huge help for the expansion.”
About the Kentucky Fried Wishes Program
The Kentucky Fried Wishes program is one of the KFC Foundation’s community giving initiatives that provides grants to nonprofits for capacity-building projects with lasting community impact. “We’re thrilled to support such incredible nonprofits like KCEOC CAP through Kentucky Fried Wishes,” said Emma Horn, Executive Director of the KFC Foundation. “These grants help make dream projects a reality, strengthening organizations and creating lasting benefits for the communities they serve.” The KFC Foundation’s charitable efforts extend beyond grants to nonprofits. Its programs also focus on education, financial assistance, and hardship relief for KFC employees, along with initiatives to combat hunger and reduce food waste. The foundation is funded through Round Up donations and KFC’s voluntary Secret Recipe Fries program.
About KCEOC Community Action Partnership
For over 60 years, KCEOC Community Action Partnership has been a cornerstone of hope and empowerment in southeastern Kentucky. Established in 1964 as one of the original 23 Community Action Agencies formed after President Lyndon Johnson’s “War on Poverty,” KCEOC provides vital programs including early childhood education, housing and food assistance, weatherization, and emergency services. Now serving 16 counties across eastern and central Kentucky, KCEOC continues to adapt its services to meet the changing needs of the community—recognizing human potential, improving lives, and creating opportunities for lasting change.
About the KFC Foundation
For 25 years, the KFC Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) organization, has provided over $39 million in support to more than 17,500 individuals and 4,500 nonprofits. Through initiatives like education accessibility, financial and hardship assistance, and community giving, the Foundation strengthens both KFC employees and the communities they serve. For more information, visit kfcfoundation.org.
