Homelessness 101

An organization held Homelessness 101 seminar this week to educate the community on how to help those who are experiencing homelessness.

The Mississippi Balance of State Continuum of Care (MBSC) is an organization that helps those that are homeless transition to stable living conditions.

"We focus on street outreach, housing, case management, and supportive services because we are trying to transition people who are in literal homelessness," explained MBSC director, Hannah Maharrey. "So, that means people who are unsheltered, living outside in encampments, under bridges, or at a local shelter into permanent housing."

Outreach coordinator for East Mississippi, Curtis Dahl, plays a crucial role in helping those that homeless transition by going into encampments and building trust:

"We had an older client who had been homeless a very, very long time. He didn't even know his Social Security number. So, we went through many challenges trying to get through that, finding solutions to get him out there and get him into housing. We were able to get him off the streets. Had we not, he would be a prime example of someone who could have potentially died out here while he was out in the woods", said Dahl.

According to a homeless population count conducted in January 2022, more than 70 people in Meridian are experiencing homelessness.

"I say if someone's in your community, they are a part of your community. Right? If someone physically lives in your town or city, they are a citizen of that community. Whether they interact with services, the community, or culture the same way that you and I might; they still are a citizen of that community. We want to give them the opportunity to live, work, have a family, and get a job. All of those things in the community, just like we have."

To find out how you can aid in helping those that are homeless, you can visit www.MSBOS.org/assist.