News and Music Discovery
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

[Audio] Murray's Gentry House Provides Shelter to Local Homeless

The Gentry House, Facebook

The Gentry House in Murray is a place where people who are homeless can stay for 30 to 90 days, allowing them time to save money for a permanent shelter. On Sounds Good, Austin Carter speaks with director Sherece Cole about the mission and needs of the organization, and how homeless in rural communities are different than those you might see in a large city.

Cole says the Gentry House has recently incorporated new services, including an emergency overnight shelter and food vouchers for people who find themselves in a desperate situation. The Gentry House is supported by the City of Murray and Angel's Attic, but they also count on donations from the community, she says.

Educational services are also a part of the Gentry House. Cole taught a class called "Mommies on a Budget," teaching how to make homemade cleaning supplies to save money from buying commercial products.

She believes that people are aware of homelessness in Murray, but maybe not the varieties of homelessness. In rural communities, you'll find cycles of homelessness and situational homelessness, which is different than what you might see in a bigger city - where you may encounter panhandling or sleeping on the sidewalk. Homelessness in Murray tends to happen behind closed doors, where people are behind on their rent, on the verge of being evicted or are recently evicted.

People can donate through their Paypal account, send a check or stop by their office. They're always in need of cleaning supplies, food and other in-kind gifts. The overnight emergency budget is $150 dollars and monthly utilities for each unit is $250. She says they are grateful for community donations.

Gentry House website

Gentry House on Facebook

Matt Markgraf joined the WKMS team as a student in January 2007. He's served in a variety of roles over the years: as News Director March 2016-September 2019 and previously as the New Media & Promotions Coordinator beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he was a graduate and undergraduate assistant. He is currently the host of the international music show Imported on Sunday nights at 10 p.m.
Austin Carter is a Murray State grad and has been involved with WKMS since he was in high school. Over the years he has been a producer for WKMS and has hosted several music shows, but now calls Morning Edition his home each weekday morning.
Related Content