DRY RIDGE, Ky. — Renee Orr feels called to help people in need- people experiencing food insecurity or who may not have a place to sleep each night. 

What You Need To Know

  • Corines House is a homeless shelter and food pantry in Grant County

  • Renee Orr started this a few years back and felt a calling to help those without basic essentials

  • Orr said they held a necessity drive Sunday to gather essentials for those looking for a place to stay or who may be in need of food this winter as the weather gets cold

  • Orr said she’s seen an uptick in phone calls with people in need of help

“They’re human beings just like we are,” she said.

She started Corines House, a homeless shelter and food pantry a few years back to help those in her community or who have wandered into the area needing some help. Lately, she’s noticed an uptick in demand.

“I’ve gotten phone calls in the last two months than I have the previous three years,” Orr said.

The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness reported in 2020 that more than 4,000 people were experiencing homelessness on any given day. A drive was held on Sunday to stock up on coats, hats and other items to help these people experiencing situations without food, a roof over their head or other basic essentials. Orr said people sometimes just need a shower.

“They do not have food. They don’t have any long underwear or blankets or anything to keep them sheltered from the cold,” she said.

Orr said she understands that several reasons could factor into why someone’s without a roof over their head, such as domestic violence or losing a job, and she just wants to make sure people know help is available.

“We need to show them compassion like we’ve been shown once in our life,” she said.

Anyone in need of help can call 859-322-6704.

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