Homeless Assistance in Mississippi

Homeless Assistance in Mississippi

Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to Mississippi residents.

2,400+
People experiencing homelessness
95+
Assistance programs statewide
$30M+
Federal housing funds
82 Counties
With local resources
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Need help right now? Contact us here — we can connect you to local shelters and services in Mississippi.

Emergency Housing & Shelter

Immediate options for Mississippi residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.

Emergency Shelters

Find available shelter beds tonight across Mississippi. Contact us for help locating the nearest open shelter and available resources in your area.

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Family & Youth Shelters

Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in Mississippi. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.

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Veterans Emergency Housing

Dedicated emergency housing for Mississippi veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.

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Federal Assistance Programs

Federal programs available to eligible Mississippi residents regardless of city or county.

HUD Continuum of Care

Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in Mississippi. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.

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Emergency Solutions Grants

Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. Mississippi receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.

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Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local Mississippi Public Housing Authority.

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HUD-VASH (Veterans)

Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple Mississippi locations.

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PATH Program (Mental Health)

Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through Mississippi community mental health centers statewide.

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SNAP Food Assistance

Helps low-income Mississippi residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.

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Mississippi State Programs

Programs funded or operated specifically by Mississippi for residents experiencing homelessness.

Mississippi Homeless Programs

MHC administers HUD and state funding for emergency shelters, transitional housing, and rental assistance for homeless Mississippi residents.

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TANF – Mississippi (TANF-RISE)

Cash assistance and employment services for eligible Mississippi families with children. Apply at any county MDHS office statewide.

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Mississippi Medicaid

Health coverage for eligible Mississippi residents including children, pregnant women, elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Apply at medicaid.ms.gov.

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Mississippi Housing Programs

Mississippi Home Corporation provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income Mississippi residents.

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Mississippi Workforce & Employment

Free job training, resume help, and career placement through Mississippi’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.

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LIHEAP Energy Assistance

Helps low-income Mississippi households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Contact us to find your nearest provider.

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Local Resources by City

Major Mississippi cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.

Jackson

Stewpot Community Services — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Jackson area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Gulfport

Gulf Coast CoC — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Gulfport area.

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Hattiesburg

Pine Belt Mental Healthcare — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Hattiesburg area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about getting homeless assistance in Mississippi.

Contact NHREA here and we will connect you to available shelter beds in Mississippi. You can also visit 211.org to search for local resources.
No. You do not need a permanent address to apply for most benefits in Mississippi. You can use a shelter address, a P.O. box, or a mail service address. Mississippi benefit workers are trained to assist people without permanent housing in applying for SNAP, Medicaid, and cash assistance.
Yes. Mississippi has strong programs for homeless veterans including:
  • HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
  • SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
  • Mississippi Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for Mississippi veterans
Call 1-877-4AID-VET to speak with a VA homeless specialist.
Rapid re-housing (RRH) helps homeless individuals move quickly into permanent housing with short-term rental assistance (3–12 months) plus case management. There are no universal income requirements — priority goes to those with greatest need. Contact NHREA to find rapid re-housing programs in Mississippi.
Apply at Mississippi’s Medicaid portal or visit any local benefits office. You do not need a permanent address. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more at little or no cost.