Our Partners
The work of the UP Initiative wouldn’t be possible without the incredible partnerships we’ve built along the way. From local businesses and nonprofits to faith groups and community volunteers, every partnership strengthens our ability to serve the unhoused and underhoused in Madison County. These collaborations help us provide essential resources, expand our impact, and create sustainable solutions for those in need. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate community—one where everyone has the support they deserve.
Mountain Comprehensive Care Center
Mountain Comprehensive Care Center (MCCC) operates a full-time behavioral health counseling office on-site at the UP Initiative Drop-In Center, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
With a licensed therapist on-site daily, guests have direct access to mental health support in a familiar, low-barrier environment. In addition to counseling, MCCC connects individuals to psychiatric care, substance use treatment, case management, and other supportive resources.
This partnership helps ensure that mental health care is accessible, consistent, and integrated into the everyday support our community relies on.
Madison County Health Department
Mountain Comprehensive Care Center also operates satellite behavioral health offices at several area inpatient facilities, and provides additional care including pulmonary services, radiology, laboratory services, and other ancillary supports.
By bringing these resources to our guests, MCCC ensures a continuum of care that addresses both immediate and long-term health needs.
This partnership strengthens the network of care available to our community, making essential health services more accessible and coordinated.
UK Target 4 Prevention
The University of Kentucky’s Target 4 Prevention Project is on-site at our Drop-In Center, ensuring harm reduction supplies, education, and support are always within reach.
Through community outreach and relationship-building, their team helps reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C while connecting people to testing, care, and additional resources. Supplies like Narcan, safer use kits, and safer sex materials are available on-site—because everyone deserves access to tools that keep them safe.
This partnership is about meeting people where they are, without judgment, and making care accessible in real, practical ways.
Kynectors
A Kynector from Kentucky River Foothills is on‑site at the Drop‑In Center monthly and is available to support community members anytime.
Kynectors help individuals understand and enroll in health coverage options like Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefit programs, connecting neighbors to the health coverage and support they need. They offer personalized assistance to help make health care and benefits more accessible.
This partnership ensures that practical help with coverage and benefits is part of the broader support available at our center.
Madison County Tenants Union
The Madison County Tenants Union has its union hall on‑site at the UP Initiative Drop‑In Center and partners closely with our community to advocate for safe, affordable housing and tenant rights.
Run by and for local tenants, the union organizes, fundraises, and supports neighbors through education, mutual support, and outreach. Their work includes connecting individuals to housing resources, supporting community‑centered action, and amplifying the voices of renters and people experiencing housing instability in Madison County.
This partnership strengthens our shared effort to build housing justice and community support right where people live and gather.
Madison County ASAP
Madison County’s ASAP (Agency for Substance Abuse Policy) has approved funding that supports harm reduction supplies, sober living and rehabilitation resources, and cleaning supplies to keep our drop‑in space safe and welcoming.
This support helps us maintain essential harm reduction resources, promote a healthy environment, and connect people with recovery and stabilization opportunities. Through this partnership, we strengthen our ability to offer practical, dignity‑centered care to our community.
