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At Least 11 Dead After Severe Flooding Sweeps The South; Hundreds Of Thousands Without Power; Abandoned Mine Land program frozen as Appalachia faces severe flooding; Solar power gives MN resort new blood, new life.

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Mississippi group working in 71 counties to end homelessness in Mississippi

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Tuesday, December 24, 2024   

Cities and states, including Mississippi, are grappling with rising homelessness.

In Mississippi, 982 people experience homelessness daily, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

Ledger Parker - the executive director of Mississippi United To End Homelessness - said its Continuum of Care program works with partner organizations and government agencies, to serve and house vulnerable populations in 71 counties across the state.

He said the program utilizes outreach teams that aim to build relationships with the unhoused.

"So those outreach teams, whenever they go, they get to know them," said Parker. "They do collect information, and they perform an assessment. That assessment that we do is to try to find out how vulnerable they are in their homelessness. Our goal is we want to limit the number of deaths in homelessness."

Meanwhile, the Jackson City Council has recently delayed a vote on a contentious ordinance that would ban sleeping on city property, and allow the removal of homeless encampments - which is sparking debate over the best approach to tackle the crisis.

Parker said the outreach teams are vital, and work in several urban areas such as Tupelo, Meridian, Hattiesburg, Starkville, and Columbus to assist with finding housing.

He added that the group provides resources for wraparound services - but there are some challenges, as many individuals lack identification, which is essential for signing leases and applying for jobs in Mississippi.

"Those outreach teams begin the process of making sure that person has the pieces they need to get into housing," said Parker, "but then also down the road to get an employment, health care, mental health care. We try to really encourage them to choose housing."

Parker added that initially it's had to persuade individuals to accept housing.

Once housed, the organization strives to provide comprehensive support services. However, a small percentage, likely around 10%, experience a return to homelessness.

This recidivism rate is not ignored as the organization actively works to re-house these individuals.




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