Inmates are putting their skills to use while serving time through the work program at the Jessamine County Detention Center.

When The Jessamine County Homeless Coalition hit a roadblock in funding to finish a homeless shelter in downtown Nicholasville, the detention center stepped in.

Johnny Templeman, leader of the Homeless Coalition, said he is so grateful the center was willing to help out with supplying manpower.

Depending on the project, there can be up to seven inmates working at the shelter at a time, Jailer Jon Sallee said. 

“We try to have them here everyday,” he said. “It is good for them to teach them new skills to take out with them. And some use the skills they already have to work in the community.” 

The inmates work on drywall, insulation, pluming, painting and other tasks. 

The shelter is expected to open sometime in November, and Sallee said they will have inmates out there if need be everyday until the project is done. 

The shelter is expected to house around 75 people.