Student Basic Needs
Basic needs are the foundation of a successful academic journey, encompassing safety, nourishment, shelter, financial stability, and holistic wellness. At Murray State, we believe in fostering an environment where every student can flourish. That's why we're dedicated to supporting those facing insecurities in their basic needs.
We've created this website as a hub of resources for students encountering challenges in meeting their essential needs. Whether it's food, housing, or overall well-being—physical, psychological, or spiritual—we're here to help. Together, let's build a compassionate and inclusive community where every student feels valued and supported.
Student Basic Needs Resources
For general questions or assistance, contact the staff in the Center for Student Engagement and Success at msu.success@murraystate.edu. These challenges are unfortunately more common than we would wish. Remember, you're not alone—our staff and these invaluable resources are here for you whenever you need support.
- Racers Helping Racers Food Pantry: Includes both food and toiletry items. Pantries are located on the Murray State Main Campus and the Hopkinsville Regional Campus.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, helps low-income people buy food for healthy meals at participating stores. SNAP benefits increase household food buying power when added to the household's income. SNAP Outside of Kentucky
- Scholar House MyKyInfo: Use the interactive kiosk at myky.info to find the resources you need.
- Student Education Emergency Fund: The Dunker’s Challenge Student Education Emergency Fund was established to assist Murray State University students who encounter emergency or catastrophic events that could prevent them from continuing their education.
- HOPE Calloway: The mission of HOPE Calloway is to show compassion to the homeless and underserved members of Calloway County by providing transitional housing, outreach services, prevention education, and emergency assistance.
- Scholar House MyKyInfo: Use the interactive kiosk at myky.info to find the resources you need.
- Mental Health Resources On and Off Campus: This page provides you with primary resources, both on and off-campus, that can help you be a successful Racer.
- Ask for Information through Starfish Student Success Network: "Raise your hand" through your Starfish account (accessed through myGate or Canvas) and caring staff will connect with you.
- College of Education and Human Services' Lactation Room: A comfortable space for you and your baby provided free to students.
- Career Closet in Career Services: Featuring various sizes of slightly-used business professional clothing, Racers have the opportunity to come in and "shop" for suits, shirts, skirts, blouses, shoes and other accessories. Find something you like? You get to keep it - for no charge! One outfit per student per semester, please.
- Murray-Calloway County Transit Authority: Murray-Calloway Transit Authority provides safe public transportation for people of Murray and Calloway County for educational, medical, recreational and health care needs.
- KY Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP): The Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP) is designed to assist low-income families who are attending Murray State University while receiving state assistance through DCBS. This program will assist with student employment, retention, child care information, tutorial information, counseling, mentoring, work preparation sessions, and other services the campus offers.
- West Kentucky Allied Services, Inc.: The mission of West Kentucky Allied Services, Inc. is to reduce and eliminate poverty by promotion of innovative and creative strategies to fight poverty; self-sufficiency of individuals, families and communities; and reduction of dependency where feasible.
- Campus Kynector: A Kynector can assist students in obtaining health insurance and consider eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP - food stamps) as well as other services provided by West Kentucky Allied Services, Inc. Pam Grey is the MSU Campus Kynector and can be reached at pam.g@wkas-ky.org. She will also be on campus at the MSU Health Services office throughout the academic year.
- Scholar House MyKyInfo Use the interactive kiosk at myky.info to find the resources you need.