Mississippi

the state's housing finance agency; runs affordable housing, homebuyer, and foreclosure-prevention programs and can point you to housing counselors.

runs the statewide "Open Doors" homeless system for most of Mississippi; call if you're homeless or about to be and they'll connect you to shelter and rehousing help.

connects you to your local Community Action Agency, which may have emergency rent and housing money depending on funding.

free lawyers for low-income renters facing eviction in central and south Mississippi. Call 1-800-498-1804.

small monthly cash payments for very low-income families with children. Apply online at access.ms.gov or at your county MDHS office.

• access.ms.gov

local agencies across the state with emergency help for rent, utilities, and other crisis bills.

local corps offices help with emergency rent, utilities, food, and shelter.

emergency assistance, counseling, and family support; serves people of any faith. Call 601-355-8634.

lists hospitals statewide.

find a community health center near you that charges on a sliding scale based on income, including for past-due balances on care.

the state's public academic hospital offers financial assistance and payment plans; ask patient billing about their financial assistance program.

helps pay past-due electric and gas bills and can stop a shutoff; apply through your local Community Action Agency.

free home improvements (insulation, sealing, repairs) that lower your energy bills for good.

statewide directory of programs that help with utility bills, plus help resolving disputes with your utility company.

monthly money on an EBT card for groceries. Apply online at access.ms.gov.

• access.ms.gov

the statewide food bank; use their site to find a free food pantry or mobile pantry near you. Call 601-353-7286.

free healthy food, formula, and nutrition help for pregnant women, new moms, and kids under 5. Call 1-800-545-6747.

Mississippi nonprofit that stocks food pantries statewide with healthy food; their site lists partner pantries.

free health coverage for children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. Apply online at access.ms.gov or call 1-800-421-2408.

• access.ms.gov

free or low-cost health insurance for kids in working families that earn too much for Medicaid.

Mississippi uses the federal marketplace; most low-income Mississippians qualify for very low or $0-premium plans.

find a free or charitable clinic near you for medical care with no insurance required.

Mississippi Department of Mental Health's free line for finding mental health, substance use, and crisis services. Call 1-877-210-8513, 24/7.

mobile crisis teams and crisis stabilization units in every region of the state; the DMH Helpline can dispatch help near you.

plain-language guide to finding mental health care and paying for it in Mississippi.

pays most of your childcare bill while you work or go to school; apply online through MDHS.

parent guides to childcare help, Head Start, and early childhood programs across Mississippi.

help finding licensed childcare and other support for families with young kids.

file for unemployment benefits online and get help finding a job. Call 1-888-844-3577.

free job search help, training programs, and resume help at centers across the state.

the state transportation department lists rural and community transit providers that offer low-cost rides in most counties.

free civil legal help (eviction, benefits denials, debt, family law) for low-income people in the southern 43 counties. Call 1-800-498-1804. Their site is also Mississippi's statewide legal help library.

free civil legal help for low-income people in the northern 39 counties; apply online or call 1-800-898-8731.

low-cost immigration legal help (visas, green cards, citizenship) from accredited staff.