The governor and state housing officials announced this week that millions of dollars of federal stimulus money can be used in Kentucky for the homeless.

It comes just in time for one eastern Kentucky county.

Housing officials in Bell County say new numbers there show more people are finding themselves without a permanent place to call home, but they haven't been able to stay at the county's shelter, after it closed nearly one year ago.

Back in January, agencies across the state did a one day count to find out how many people were homeless.

Officials in Bell County say while overall numbers were down, one group grew significantly.

“People that were living with other families, people who have lost their jobs, living with grandparents, parents, friends, neighbors or whoever those numbers were actually up,” Norman Cornelius said.

But those figures got the attention of state and federal officials, who are now making millions of dollars of the stimulus money available for agencies that request it.

“We'll be able to help some families with some critical needs that may help them get through some tough times,” Cornelius said.

The news comes just in time for a group trying to reopen the county's homeless shelter.

A building in downtown Pineville has been empty for about a year now, since the Bell County homeless shelter closed.

Lighthouse Ministry officials hope to get it back open soon.

Lighthouse Ministries' pastor admits there's a lot of work ahead.

The shelter needs many appliances, bunks for mattresses and a new ceiling. It also needs volunteers.

“We invite them to get on board with us, to help our community, make it a better place and a happier place for those who are less fortunate than ourselves,” Darrell Lowe said.

Lighthouse Ministries will be accepting applications for some paid positions at the shelter beginning Monday and Tuesday, June 1st and 2nd, from ten to two.

You can reach Lighthouse Ministries at (606) 337-1069.