November is Homelessness Awareness Month. United Way has been serving the homeless population of our community since 1997. As one of our agencies, The Gentry House has been directly impacting the homelessness in Murray.
More than one-third of the people in Murray live at or below the poverty level. Over the last 22 years, Gentry House has seen, first-hand, just how poverty affects our community. It's a small step from poverty to homelessness- it could be just one or two missed paychecks, a health crisis, or family changes. For more than two decades, Gentry House has been providing support and housing for the homeless population in Calloway County. They have seen hundreds of families go from being homeless and hopeless to having a stable home and hope for a better future. They've helped victims of domestic violence find a fresh start and rebuild their lives. They've assisted countless individuals in getting off the streets and to a place where they can sleep in a warm bed with a roof over their head. They've provided assistance for people to get back and forth to jobs, doctor's appointments, and classes. For people who have lost their jobs or their homes and didn't know where to turn, Gentry House has been there.
Recognizing that homelessness is a symptom of a much larger problems, Gentry House recently introduced a new initiative, Pathways to Success. This is an intensive program designed with the goal of preventing homelessness in our community. The two main components of this program are education in LifeLabs and individualized supportive coaching. Lifelabs focus on four main elements: housing permanency, financial stability, job skills, and personal development. Coaching is not only available to residents of Gentry House's transitional living program, but for any community members who are struggling with symptoms of poverty.
The quickest way out of homelessness is to prevent it from ever happening in the first place. Gentry House's goal is to help people transform their lives and partner with them along their pathway to success.
Upcoming Events
CareerLab
November 14 at 6pm
Holmes-Ellis Community Center
Guest-hosted by Roy Riley of Peele and Holland. Participants will find out about potential job openings in the community and get expert tips and advice on securing and keeping a job.
HousingLab
December 3 at 6pm
Holmes-Ellis Community Center
Guest-hosted by Vonda Murdoch of Murray Housing Authority. Participants will receive listings of available affordable housing in the community while learning tips and details about applying for Section 8, Housing Authority, and income-based housing.
Free Pictures with Santa
December 17 from 4:30-7pm
Holmes-Ellis Community Center
Gentry House will host free pictures with Santa for members of our community. There will be cookies with hot chocolate and Christmas crafts for kids.
Nathan Carter
Executive Director
Gentry House
Office: 270.761.6802
gentryhouse.org
