Help in Mississippi
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 22 places in Mississippi, most of them in Biloxi, Jackson and Hattiesburg, plus 13 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people leaving homelessness (15) and after prison or jail (14).
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.
Stewpot Community Services
Jackson's largest homeless services agency: Billy Brumfield emergency shelter for men 18+ (intake 3 pm, beds at 4 pm, up to five nights a week) plus a 90-day transitional sober-living track, Matt's House shelter for women and women with children (18 guests, staffed 24/7), the Opportunity Center day shelter with laundry, mail and computers, daily meals, a legal clinic and a health clinic.
Gateway Rescue Mission
Downtown Jackson mission with emergency shelter for men over 21 (doors open 2:30 pm, first come first served, breakfast and dinner included), a free lunch at noon for anyone who is hungry, and the New Life Program, a faith-based non-clinical residential track for men overcoming addiction.
Home of Grace
Faith-based residential addiction recovery program near the Gulf Coast with separate men's and women's campuses, offering 30- and 90-day programs and 6- or 12-month extended stays with counseling, classes and GED help. It does not take insurance; the stated starting cost is $4,000 for 30 days, with scholarships available through admissions.
DMH Helpline
Round-the-clock line for finding state-certified substance use treatment, peer support and mental health services anywhere in Mississippi. Mobile Crisis Response Teams run by community mental health centers respond in all 82 counties; call or text 988 for emotional crisis.
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.
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
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
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.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.