Homeless Task Force Helping Needy Find Affordable Housing

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Recent numbers show Tupelo’s homeless population appears to be shrinking.

Even with temporary, smaller numbers the effort to help is not slowing down.

When the temperature drops below 40 degrees, Tupelo’s Salvation Army opens its gym for people who need a break from the cold.

The ministry also operates a homeless shelter, which stays full.

“We’re constantly getting new individuals in, because we are the only shelter in North Mississippi. So if the family kicks them out,  if they’re traveling through the area, we’re the only place to come and stay,” said Susan Gilbert, of the Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army helps the needy get back on their feet, and that’s the goal of the Tupelo Homeless Task Force.

It’s made up of clergy, business people, social workers and others.

The task force meets regularly, receiving updates and learning what is being done to help those who want to get off the streets.

Sara Ekiss is with Mississippi United to End Homelessness, or MUTEH.

The city partners with the organization, which provides affordable housing and other resources.

Their efforts are making a difference.

“In January we did a count, like 78 homeless here in Tupelo and now we have encountered 22 as of this past month. We have great landlords that work with us on trying to get fair market rent, but we find the housing for them and case manage them to civility, help them find employment once they get into housing,” Ekiss said.

Members of the Homeless Task Force know there’s no cookie cutter solution to the problem.

They also understand that some people don’t want to get off the streets.

But for those who want a fresh start, task force members say there is help and hope.

MUTEH regularly canvasses parts of Tupelo , building relationships with the homeless and helping them find permanent housing.