The state’s Rental Assistance for Mississippi Program (RAMP) is no longer accepting new applications. However, emergency rental and utility assistance remains available through a network of local agencies, community organizations, and charitable entities across the state.
Mississippi tenants can apply for aid through the Mississippi Emergency Rental Assistance (MERA) program, which offers up to 15 months of support for rent and utility payments to households facing eviction or financial hardship. Applications are processed online via the Mississippi Home Corporation or by calling 1-888-725-0063.
Community Action Agencies (CSBG Program)
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program is a federal initiative administered by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) that distributes funds to a network of 17 regional Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the state. These agencies act as a vital safety net, providing direct emergency housing stabilization—including rental assistance, security deposits, mortgage aid, and utility assistance—to low-income households working toward financial self-sufficiency.
Step-by-step application process
Since funds are administered locally but managed through a centralized state portal, you must follow a specific sequence to apply:
Submit an online pre-application: Visit the unified “Access MS” web portal. Complete the basic information forms and ensure you explicitly check the “Community Services” box to route your application to the CSBG division.
Wait for your appointment notification: The MDHS will forward your information to the CAA designated for your geographic area. You will receive an official appointment letter by mail with the date and time to meet with a local caseworker.
Priority cases: Households with elderly individuals, people with disabilities, or children under the age of five can expect an appointment within 30 business days.
Standard cases: Generally, households that do not fall into the categories above receive an appointment within 45 business days.
Gather the required verification documents: Bring physical copies of the following documents to your scheduled appointment:
Identification: Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport) of the primary applicant.
Household verification: Social Security cards for all individuals living in the household.
Proof of income: Pay stubs, tax forms, child support records, or benefit award letters (SSI, SSDI, TANF).
Proof of housing status: A copy of your signed lease agreement, mortgage documentation, or a recent utility bill.
Complete the interview and await direct payment: A caseworker will review your documentation to complete the application. If your rental assistance application is approved, the agency will make the payment directly to your landlord or property management company on your behalf.
Key Regional Community Action Agencies
Although pre-applications begin online, your file will be sent to one of these regional operators based on your place of residence:
Hinds, Madison, and Rankin Counties: Managed by the South Central Community Action Agency, which offers housing and crisis assistance programs from its offices located at 3881 I-55 South Frontage Rd, Jackson, MS 39212 (601-359-4768) and 168 W Center St, Canton, MS 39046 (601-407-5473).
Harrison County and coastal regions: Managed by the JC Community Action Agency (Gulf Coast Civic Action), located at 500 24th St, Gulfport, MS 39507 (228-896-1400).
Jackson County: Managed by the Jackson County Civic Action Committee at 3301 Spruce St, Pascagoula, MS 39581 (228-471-1271).
Bolivar County: Served by the Bolivar County Community Action Agency at 190 N Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Cleveland, MS 38732 (662-846-1491).
Amite, Pike, Walthall, and Wilkinson Counties: Managed by Southwest Mississippi Opportunity, Inc., located at 4116 US-51, McComb, MS 39648 (601-684-5593).
If you experience technical issues with the online portal or need to contact the state office directly, you can call the MDHS Division of Community Services toll-free line at 1-800-421-0762.
Non-profit organizations and charitable resources
Several state and regional organizations offer local emergency funds to prevent eviction:
The Salvation Army
To obtain emergency assistance for rent or utility payments through The Salvation Army in Mississippi, you must follow their local intake procedures. Since funds are restricted by geographic area and demand is high, the process requires strict adherence to specific calling times and documentation requirements. Regional Social Services Commands
In addition to the Jackson coordination center, you can contact your local regional command directly to inquire about fund availability and local reservation policies:
Mississippi Gulf Coast Area Command: Serves Harrison, Hancock, Jackson, Pearl River, Stone, and George counties.
Center of Hope (Gulfport): 2019 22nd St, Gulfport, MS 39501 | 📞 (228) 374-8301. Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.).
South Central MS Command: Serves Forrest, Lamar, Perry, Marion, Covington, and Greene counties.
Hattiesburg Corps: 5670 US Highway 49, Hattiesburg, MS 39401 | 📞 (601) 544-3111.
East Central MS Command: Serves Lauderdale, Neshoba, Newton, Clarke, and Jasper counties.
Meridian Corps: 1121 24th Ave, Meridian, MS 39301 | 📞 (601) 483-4316. Pine Belt Local Command: Serves Jones County and surrounding rural areas.
Laurel Corps: 205 N 13th Ave, Laurel, MS 39440 | 📞 (601) 428-4232. Open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Open Doors Homeless Coalition
Open Doors Homeless Coalition serves as the initial access point—federally designated under the “Coordinated Entry” system—for accessing housing resources across the six coastal counties of southern Mississippi: Harrison, Jackson, Hancock, Pearl River, Stone, and George.
Rather than operating a traditional walk-in office for immediate cash assistance, they coordinate specific programs for homelessness prevention (rental subsidies and case management) and rapid re-housing (security deposits and moving expenses), based entirely on vulnerability assessments and available funding.
To request assistance, you must follow their local intake protocol. They operate strictly by appointment and do not accept walk-ins for financial assistance processing.
Helpline: Call the official crisis line at (228) 604-2048.
Messaging: If you do not reach a live caseworker, you must leave a voicemail stating your full name, a valid callback number, and a brief description of your housing crisis situation.
Timeframe: A caseworker will return your call within two business days. During that call, they will conduct a brief telephone assessment regarding your eviction notice or current living conditions.
Regional Center Locations
Although the initial assessment is conducted by phone, any subsequent processing of physical documentation or case management appointments takes place at one of their regional offices:
Biloxi Office: 1016 Division St, Biloxi, MS 39530
Gulfport Office: 11975 Seaway Rd, Gulfport, MS 39503
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Grace House Services
Grace House Services is a specialized non-profit organization offering comprehensive programs for housing stabilization, rapid re-housing, and support services throughout Mississippi. Initially founded to assist individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, Grace House has expanded its mission to administer federal housing grants aimed at low-income and highly vulnerable populations.
Location: Primary admissions are processed at 236 Millsaps Ave, Jackson, MS 39202.
Hours: Standard appointment scheduling hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Note: Appointments outside of standard hours may be requested if you work during the day.
Admissions inquiry hotline: Call (601) 345-8239 or the central administrative office at (601) 353-1038 to inquire about available ESG-funded openings for the current month.
Stewpot Community Services
Stewpot Community Services provides immediate emergency shelter, guidance on daytime resources, and specialized housing relocation services for individuals and families in the city of Jackson and surrounding communities in Hinds County.
Unlike traditional rapid-response centers, Stewpot divides its assistance between immediate physical shelters and a grant-funded Housing Assistance Program focused strictly on achieving permanent housing stability for the homeless.
Location and office hours: The main administrative office handles general program inquiries at 1100 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39203; it operates Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Online preliminary assessment: Individuals can avoid phone wait times by completing an electronic assistance request form directly on the Stewpot help portal.
Immediate referral services
United Way 2-1-1: If you need immediate information regarding local funds available in your county, dial 2-1-1 from any phone (service available 24/7) or visit United Way 211 Mississippi.
Legal assistance: If you are facing imminent eviction or landlord disputes, you can contact the Mississippi Center for Justice at (228) 702-9983 or Mississippi Legal Services at (800) 498-1804.
