Help aging out of foster care in Mississippi
We've found 9 places in Mississippi for people aging out of foster care, mostly in Biloxi, and 8 that serve the whole state. Our volunteers haven't confirmed these yet, so a quick call ahead is worth it. Most of them help with benefits & cash (4), shelter & housing (3) and food (2).
Places in Mississippi
211 Mississippi Helpline
Free referral line covering all 82 Mississippi counties for food, housing and utility help, health care, crisis counseling, employment and family services. Dial 2-1-1 from any phone; the state reentry guide also lists a toll-free number.
Youth Transition Support Services
MDCPS program for current and former foster youth ages 14 to 26 that covers transitional living planning, aftercare resource connection after leaving care, post-secondary education support and monthly skills groups. A map of regional Transition Navigators with their contact details is posted on the page.
Coordinated Entry
The single front door to housing programs in Harrison, Jackson, Hancock, Stone, George and Pearl River counties. Call, leave a message, and staff return the call within two business days to assess your situation and refer you to rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing or other resources; outreach teams also find people on the street daily.
Mississippi Center for Legal Services
Free civil legal aid for low-income people in the 43 central and southern counties, including Hinds, Harrison and Forrest. Handles housing, benefits, family and consumer matters from offices in Jackson, Hattiesburg, Gulfport and McComb; apply through the toll-free intake line or online.
North Mississippi Rural Legal Services
Free civil representation for low-income people in Mississippi's northern 39 counties, with offices in Oxford, Clarksdale, Greenville and West Point. New clients call the intake center, which is staffed Monday through Thursday.
Bureau of Vital Records
Issues certified copies of Mississippi birth, death and marriage certificates online, by phone or at the Ridgeland customer service window. Call the same number to correct a record.
Identification Cards
State photo ID for anyone six or older, $17 for four years or $33 for eight. Bring an original birth certificate or other accepted document, two proofs of residency, a Social Security card or official document showing the full number, and legal paperwork for any name change.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Monthly food benefits on an EBT card for low-income households. Apply online through the Access Mississippi portal or at your county MDHS office; you will be asked for proof of identity, residency and income, and the client services line answers questions.
Mississippi Division of Medicaid
Health coverage for children, pregnant women, low-income parents, and people who are aged, blind or disabled. Apply online at the Common Web Portal, by mail or fax, at one of 30 regional offices, or by calling the contact center to have an application mailed. Spanish-language applications are posted.
National lines that work in Mississippi
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.