Free Furniture and Household Items for Single Mothers in Mississippi
Free Furniture & Household Items for Single Mothers in Mississippi (2025 Guide)
Last updated: September 2025
This is a plain‑talk, one‑page hub for getting beds, cribs, tables, dishes, and other essentials into your home without paying retail. Every paragraph links you straight to the agency or group that can actually help in Mississippi, including state offices and trusted nonprofits. Start with the 3 emergency actions, then move through the sections that fit your situation best. For bill shutoff or eviction risks, skim the emergency box and jump to the utility and housing steps.
If You Only Do 3 Things – Emergency Actions to Take
- Call 2‑1‑1 and tell the specialist you are a single mom in Mississippi who needs “furniture or household goods help,” and ask for an appointment with a nearby program like Salvation Army social services, St. Vincent de Paul, or a domestic‑violence partner that provides move‑in kits; use the statewide line at 866‑472‑8265 through [United Way’s 211 Mississippi], and if you’re near Hattiesburg use the local page from [United Way of Southeast Mississippi] to search partners right away. (myunitedway.com)
- Submit the LIHEAP pre‑application in Access MS for “Community Services” so your county Community Action Agency can also screen you for CSBG emergency assistance like household goods or thrift vouchers; start at [MDHS LIHEAP] and learn how the appointment window works and what to bring, then ask your caseworker about CSBG at [MDHS Community Services (CSBG)]. Expect 30 business days for priority households and up to 45 days for others, and ask about crisis escalations if needed. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- If you live in Jackson, call 601‑500‑5200 and enroll in the SNAP customer class or a payment plan with [JXN Water], and if your power is with Entergy or Mississippi Power, ask for immediate payment‑arrangement and program referrals; use [Entergy Mississippi’s assistance and appliance incentives] and [Mississippi Power’s Project SHARE] for quick relief while your furniture help is scheduled. (jxnwater.com)
Quick Help Box — Numbers and Links to Keep Handy
- Emergency referral line: For statewide help, dial 2‑1‑1 or 866‑472‑8265 and search partners with [211 Mississippi]; for Jackson metro use [United Way of the Capital Area’s 211 page] to connect fast. (myunitedway.com)
- SNAP/TANF case help: Call 1‑800‑948‑3050 for [MDHS Economic Assistance], upload documents on the [MDHS SNAP portal], and ask your worker about support services that can include thrift vouchers during crises. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Water or sewer in Jackson: Call 601‑500‑5200 or use the [JXN Water customer portal] for 12‑month payment plans, and ask to self‑identify for the [SNAP customer class] to lower the monthly availability charge. (jxnwater.com)
- Electric or gas bill help: Call Entergy at 1‑800‑368‑3749 and ask about [The Power to Care] and [Entergy Solutions Marketplace] incentives, or call Mississippi Power at 1‑800‑532‑1502 and request [Project SHARE] screening. (entergy.com)
- Domestic violence safe move kits: Use the shelter map from [Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence], and if you’re near Meridian contact [Care Lodge], which accepts and distributes household items as families move into new housing. (mcadv.org)
What This Guide Covers and Why It Works
Mississippi’s help system is local, and many groups hand out furniture or kits after a crisis. Programs like [Salvation Army social services in Jackson] and [St. Vincent de Paul conferences on the Gulf Coast] use voucher or “start‑up kit” models to move families into safe homes with essentials. Pair these with your county [Community Action Agency via MDHS LIHEAP/CSBG] and [211 Mississippi] for the fastest path to real items, not just referrals. (southernusa.salvationarmy.org)
Fast Paths to Free or Almost‑Free Essentials
| Program or place | What you can get | How to apply or get in line | Typical wait | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Salvation Army social services (Jackson, Tupelo, Gulf Coast) | Clothing and household vouchers, fire‑relief kits, sometimes furniture vouchers | Call your corps for an appointment; Jackson 601‑982‑4881 ext. 0 Mondays at 8:30 a.m.; Tupelo 662‑680‑2757; Gulf Coast 228‑374‑8301 | Same week to 2 weeks depending on funding and call volume | 
| St. Vincent de Paul (Biloxi Council; Hattiesburg conference) | Free clothing, small household items, occasional furniture vouchers when available | Contact your local conference; Biloxi Council listings on the contact page; Hattiesburg help line 601‑549‑8575 | 1–2 weeks; Hattiesburg has specific weekday windows | 
| Community Action via MDHS (LIHEAP/CSBG) | Crisis help, referrals, and sometimes start‑up household items through CSBG | Pre‑apply in Access MS (choose “Community Services”) and keep your appointment letter | 10–45 business days; faster if crisis verified | 
| Domestic‑violence programs (Care Lodge, statewide MCADV network) | Shelter, clothing, and move‑in household kits when rehoused | Call program directly; crisis line for Care Lodge 601‑693‑4673; use MCADV “MS Shelters” to find your county | Same day for safety, move‑in kits when housing secured | 
| Habitat ReStores (Jackson, Gulfport, Ocean Springs) | Low‑cost furniture, appliances, and home goods; sometimes donated beds | Shop direct or ask your caseworker about a voucher; Jackson 769‑209‑5100; Gulfport 228‑678‑9116 | Same day shopping; voucher timing varies | 
| Jackson Resource Center | Small furniture and household items for clients moving into housing | Ask your case manager; donation line 769‑218‑0008 for item info | Same week when inventory allows | 
Resources: [Salvation Army Jackson Social Services], [Tupelo Corps contact], [Gulf Coast centers and store], [SVDP Biloxi Council], [SVDP Hattiesburg (St. Thomas Aquinas)], [MDHS LIHEAP/CSBG], [Care Lodge Donate Goods and Shelter pages], [MCADV resources], [Habitat ReStore Jackson], [Habitat Gulf Coast ReStores], [Jackson Resource Center donations]. (southernusa.salvationarmy.org)
How to Use Community Action and LIHEAP to Unlock Household Help
Start an online pre‑application and check “Community Services,” which routes you to your county Community Action Agency through [MDHS LIHEAP]; that office also administers CSBG, the flexible funding that may cover emergency needs like household goods, small appliances, or thrift vouchers when your case shows a documented crisis. Keep your appointment letter and bring proof of identity, all household SSNs, lease or proof of address, and current bills; the [MDHS LIHEAP page] lists timeframes: priority households (elderly, disabled, child under 5) should expect an appointment within 30 business days, and others within 45 business days. If you’re in Hinds County, read the [HCHRA LIHEAP page] for local orientation details and see the “what to bring” checklist on the [HCHRA Adults & Families] page. (mdhs.ms.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the Community Action intake to screen you for other pots of help: CSBG crisis funds, local church partners like [St. Vincent de Paul Biloxi Council], or [Salvation Army social services], and ask 2‑1‑1 for any “furniture ministry” near you while you wait. If you are fleeing abuse, call a program through [MCADV’s shelter map] to get safe housing and a move‑in kit faster. (svdpbiloxi.org)
How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Mississippi Today
Apply for a crisis appointment through [MDHS LIHEAP] and upload your disconnect notice so your Community Action Agency can flag it; ask for the ECIP (energy crisis) track and document anything time‑sensitive like a medical note for a child. For electric, call your provider the same day; [Entergy Mississippi] offers payment plans and funds The Power to Care (run with [Salvation Army]) and lists rebates that lower bills through the [Entergy Solutions Marketplace]; [Mississippi Power] runs Project SHARE (screened by Catholic Charities) and has Bill Extender for fixed‑date checks. For Jackson water, enroll in the [SNAP customer class at JXN Water] to reduce the availability charge and sign a 12‑month payment plan through the [JXN Water bill‑pay portal]. (mdhs.ms.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 2‑1‑1 to schedule you with a [local Salvation Army] or [St. Vincent de Paul conference] for one‑time utility or voucher help while your LIHEAP case is pending, and call the LIHEAP hotline at 1‑800‑421‑0762 listed on ACF’s [LIHEAP state contact page] if you can’t reach your county office. (southernusa.salvationarmy.org)
Where Single Moms Often Succeed First
Many single moms get fast help by combining a voucher from [Salvation Army Jackson Social Services] or a [St. Vincent de Paul] conference with a same‑day purchase at a [Habitat ReStore]; your caseworker can stretch dollars and prioritize a safe bed, table, and basic kitchenware. Pair that with a LIHEAP/CSBG appointment through [MDHS] and a 2‑1‑1 search to fill any gaps in dishes, linens, or lamps. (southernusa.salvationarmy.org)
Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups
- In Jackson, [Stewpot Community Services] runs a Clothing Closet and connects people across programs, while [Good Samaritan Center] helps families in emergencies and routes non‑needed donations to its NUTS thrift stores where case managers can stretch vouchers. Ask about donation pickups if you’re rebuilding after a fire. (stewpot.org)
- In Hattiesburg, [Christian Services’ Bargains on Broadway] stocks furniture and distributes benevolent items in emergencies, and [Edwards Street Fellowship Center] operates a thrift store with frequent household stock; both are partners of [United Way of Southeast Mississippi], which lists pantry and clinic options alongside thrift resources. (christianserve.org)
- On the Gulf Coast, the [SVDP Biloxi Council] serves through more than 20 parish conferences and lists hours/phones by location, while [The Salvation Army Gulf Coast Center of Hope] provides casework and transitional housing alongside a Gulfport thrift store. Check [Open Doors Homeless Coalition] for coordinated entry if you need housing plus move‑in help. (svdpbiloxi.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Use [211 Mississippi] to widen the search to smaller “furniture ministries,” ask school counselors for church closets, and ask your Community Action worker to call a partner directly (they often succeed where cold calls don’t). (myunitedway.com)
Resources by Region
Jackson Metro and Central Mississippi
- Try [Salvation Army Jackson Social Services] for appointment‑only vouchers and the [Salvation Army Jackson Family Store] for pickup scheduling, then call [Hinds County Human Resource Agency] to check LIHEAP/CSBG and orientation schedules. Add [Good Samaritan Center] for emergency household help and clothing. (southernusa.salvationarmy.org)
- For medical and benefits navigation, call [Mississippi Division of Medicaid] statewide or use the [Medicaid regional office list] to find your county while you apply for SNAP/CCPP through [MDHS] or childcare help via [MDHS Child Care Payment Program]. (medicaid.ms.gov)
Gulf Coast (Harrison, Hancock, Jackson, Stone, George, Pearl River)
- Use [SVDP Biloxi Council] conference contacts, the [Gulfport and Ocean Springs Habitat ReStores], and Coordinated Entry via [Open Doors Homeless Coalition] (call 228‑604‑2048) for rapid rehousing with move‑in items. [Mississippi Power’s Project SHARE] can offset a bill so you can buy a bed the same month. (svdpbiloxi.org)
Pine Belt (Hattiesburg area)
- Shop or request benevolent items through [Christian Services – Bargains on Broadway] and the [Edwards Street Fellowship Thrift Store], then call [United Way of Southeast Mississippi 211] for other closets. For DV situations, [Care Lodge] covers Lauderdale and nearby counties with shelter and move‑in kits list. (christianserve.org)
Northeast Mississippi (Tupelo/Lee and nearby)
- Contact [Salvation Army Tupelo] for shelter and vouchers, call [United Way of Northeast Mississippi] for partner referrals, and ask about local parish closets. If homeless, Coordinated Entry often routes through [MUTEH] in the Balance of State network. (southernusa.salvationarmy.org)
Delta (Greenville, Washington, Bolivar)
- Call [Salvation Army Greenville] for basic assistance and check [MACAA’s member list] for your county’s Community Action office; ask about CSBG emergency household assistance and thrift partners. [United Way of West Central Mississippi] in Vicksburg hosts a resource hub if you’re in Warren or nearby. (mapquest.com)
Meridian/Lauderdale and East Central
- Use [Care Lodge Domestic Violence Shelter] for safety and re‑housing support, and contact your CAA through [MDHS LIHEAP/CSBG] for crisis funds. For Jackson water or statewide programs when you move, keep [JXN Water] and [Entergy Solutions] on your list for bill relief and energy‑saving kits. (carelodge.com)
Diverse Communities — Specific Doors to Knock On First
LGBTQ+ single mothers: Try [The Spectrum Center of Hattiesburg] for a mutual‑aid fund, free clothing closet, and supportive referrals; their events and volunteers often post surplus household items you can claim. Pair their help with [211 Mississippi] for voucher programs, and if you face harassment or safety issues, contact [MCADV’s resources] for confidential safety planning and shelter connections that include move‑in kits. (tschburg.org)
Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Ask your CAA through [MDHS LIHEAP/CSBG] for priority scheduling, then use [Mississippi Division of Medicaid] for HCBS waivers and disability supports that may cover home modifications or durable items; check the June 2025 update on [DOM’s HCBS guidance] and request language or TTY assistance via Medicaid’s contacts. Call 1‑800‑421‑2408 for accessibility options. (mdhs.ms.gov)
Veteran single mothers: Contact the HCHV coordinator at [VA Jackson Health Care] for housing plus essentials; ask United Way 2‑1‑1 for SSVF providers in your county and confirm whether [MUTEH] or a partner can assist with move‑in expenses. If you need quick household items, ask the VA social worker to send you to [Salvation Army] or [SVDP Biloxi Council] with a referral letter. (va.gov)
Immigrant and refugee single moms: For legal and language support, call [Catholic Charities Jackson – Migrant Support Center] (601‑948‑2635) and [El Pueblo] on the Coast for low‑cost immigration help and interpretation; both can write letters for landlords or agencies and connect you to furniture donors. Ask [MIRA – Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance] for advocacy and referrals if you face discrimination. (catholiccharitiesjackson.org)
Tribal‑specific resources (Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians): Call the [MBCI Department of Family & Community Services] (601‑650‑1778) for assistance services, family violence sheltering, and emergency supports; the program coordinates 24/7 crisis lines and may connect you to household goods when rehoused. Coordinate benefits with [Medicaid] or [MDHS] depending on your case. (choctaw.org)
Rural single moms with limited access: Use [United Way of West Central Mississippi’s Resource Hub] for printed guides, ask [211 Mississippi] for programs that do home delivery or porch pickups, and set up payment plans with [JXN Water] or utilities by phone if broadband is spotty. Request mailed applications from [MDHS] or scheduled in‑person appointments through your CAA. (unitedwayvicksburg.org)
Single fathers: Most programs serve households regardless of gender; call [MDHS Economic Assistance] for SNAP/TANF, and use [Habitat ReStores] and [Salvation Army] appointments the same way this guide describes. Ask 2‑1‑1 to note you are a single father if you need support groups. (mdhs.ms.gov)
Language access: Request interpreters at [MSDH WIC scheduling] and [Medicaid], and ask [El Pueblo’s Language Access Services] if you need help reading forms or making calls. Many agencies will mail large‑print documents on request. TTY services are available through [Medicaid contacts]. (msdh.ms.gov)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a LIHEAP pre‑app but not answering the phone or email for the appointment; keep voicemail free and call your CAA back within 24 hours as [MDHS LIHEAP] warns that delays push dates back. Confirm your county’s intake steps through [HCHRA] or your agency’s website. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Going to a thrift store without a voucher; ask [Salvation Army social services] or a [St. Vincent de Paul] conference for a voucher first so you don’t spend scarce cash. Check [211 Mississippi] for voucher‑issuing partners near you. (southernusa.salvationarmy.org)
- Ignoring shutoff notices; call [JXN Water] or [Mississippi Power Project SHARE] or [Entergy Solutions/assistance] right away so you can keep cold storage available for kids’ food while furniture help is pending. (jxnwater.com)
Reality Check — Delays, Denials, and Shortages
- Furniture vouchers and start‑up kits depend on donations; programs like [SVDP Biloxi Council] and [Good Samaritan Center] can run out for a week or two. Ask staff to put you on the call list and keep your phone on; meanwhile, shop low‑cost at [Habitat ReStores] and ask your caseworker to prioritize a bed and crib first. (svdpbiloxi.org)
- LIHEAP appointments in Mississippi can take 30–45 business days even with a pre‑app, per [MDHS]; if you have a shutoff, still submit the pre‑app but also call your utility for a payment plan while you wait. Bring all documents the first time; [HCHRA] warns missing items cause delays. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Domestic‑violence funding has been tight statewide, but shelters like [Care Lodge] and partners listed by [MCADV] still provide safety and essentials; ask about move‑in kits when you secure housing. Funding and inventory go up and down, so call to confirm. (mississippitoday.org)
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Need | First call | Backup call | Link you’ll need | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed, table, dishes this month | [Salvation Army Jackson Social Services] | [SVDP Biloxi Council] | [United Way 211 Mississippi] | 
| Move‑in kit after DV | [Care Lodge] | [MCADV resources and shelter map] | [MDHS SNAP/TANF help] | 
| Utility shutoff today | [MDHS LIHEAP/ECIP pre‑app] | Your utility: [Entergy Solutions/assistance] or [Mississippi Power Project SHARE] | [JXN Water SNAP class] (Jackson only) | 
| Low‑cost furniture now | [Habitat ReStore Jackson] | [Habitat Gulf Coast ReStores] | [Jackson Resource Center] (clients) | 
(southernusa.salvationarmy.org)
Application Checklist — Screenshot or Print This
- Photo ID for every adult (18+) and Social Security cards for each household member (get replacements through [SSA] and confirm identity rules with [MDHS LIHEAP]). (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Current lease or proof of address, and any eviction or shutoff notices; utility bill in head‑of‑household name for [LIHEAP/ECIP] and program files. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Proof of income for last 30 days (pay stubs, child support printout, benefits); ask [MDHS Economic Assistance] if you need a wage statement letter. (hchra.org)
- If DV‑related, any safe documents that prove crisis; call [MCADV] before gathering documents if safety is a concern. (mcadv.org)
- A simple list of household items needed (bed sizes, crib, table, chairs, pots/pans, linens), plus any special needs or space limits (some programs like [Jackson Resource Center] can only accept smaller items). (reachjackson.org)
If Your Application Gets Denied
- Ask for a written denial and the appeal or conference process; for TANF/SNAP use [MDHS Client Services], and for LIHEAP call [MDHS Community Services], then escalate with 2‑1‑1 while you appeal. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Bring new proof and request a supervisor review; if wait times are long, ask [United Way 211] for alternative voucher programs like [Salvation Army] or [SVDP Biloxi Council] while the appeal is pending. (myunitedway.com)
- For water or power disputes, call your utility’s customer care and request a payment plan in writing; [JXN Water] provides 12‑month plans and a SNAP class, while [Entergy Mississippi] and [Mississippi Power] offer payment arrangements and assistance screening. (jxnwater.com)
Real‑World Examples
- A Hattiesburg mom used a voucher from [Christian Services – Bargains on Broadway] for a table and chairs, then picked up dishes at [Edwards Street Fellowship Thrift]; she covered a past‑due bill with [Mississippi Power’s Project SHARE] to free cash for a used bed. Outcome in two weeks, with rides coordinated through [United Way SEMS 211]. (christianserve.org)
- A Jackson mom fleeing abuse got shelter and a safety plan from [Care Lodge], secured housing via [Open Doors Homeless Coalition’s Coordinated Entry], and received a move‑in kit with linens and cookware. When water bills arrived, she enrolled in [JXN Water’s SNAP customer class] and set a payment plan. (carelodge.com)
- A Gulf Coast single mom combined [SVDP Biloxi Council] help for basic household items with a discounted dresser from [Habitat ReStore Gulfport]; she later replaced a broken fridge using [Entergy Solutions’ appliance rebates] to drop the price. (svdpbiloxi.org)
Tables You Can Use Quickly
State and Federal Contacts You’ll Actually Call
| Agency | Why call | Phone | 
|---|---|---|
| [MDHS Economic Assistance] | SNAP/TANF case help and document upload guidance | 1‑800‑948‑3050 | 
| [MDHS Community Services] | LIHEAP/CSBG status and referrals | 1‑800‑421‑0762 | 
| [Mississippi Division of Medicaid] | Eligibility and office locations; HCBS waivers | 1‑800‑421‑2408 | 
| [MSDH WIC] | Food benefits for moms/infants; appointment scheduling | 1‑800‑338‑6747 | 
| [United Way 211 Mississippi] | Local furniture vouchers/closets and ride help | 2‑1‑1 or 866‑472‑8265 | 
Utility and Water Help Snapshot
| Provider | What to ask for | Where | 
|---|---|---|
| [Entergy Mississippi] | Payment plan; The Power to Care; appliance rebates via [Entergy Solutions] | Entergy territory (most of MS outside Gulf) | 
| [Mississippi Power] | Project SHARE screening; Bill Extender | Gulf Coast counties | 
| [JXN Water] | SNAP customer class; 12‑month plan; 24/7 call center | City of Jackson customers | 
Trusted Furniture and Household Sources
| Organization | Area | Notes | 
|---|---|---|
| [Salvation Army Jackson Social Services] | Hinds/Madison/Rankin | Monday intake; vouchers | 
| [SVDP Biloxi Council] | Gulf Coast | Parish‑based assistance | 
| [Christian Services – Bargains on Broadway] | Hattiesburg | Emergency benevolence items | 
| [Edwards Street Fellowship Thrift] | Hattiesburg | Regular furniture/household stock | 
| [Habitat ReStore Jackson] | Jackson metro | Low‑cost furniture & appliances | 
(southernusa.salvationarmy.org)
Housing and Move‑In Coordination
| Program | Counties | How it helps | 
|---|---|---|
| [Open Doors Homeless Coalition – Coordinated Entry] | Harrison, Jackson, Hancock, Stone, George, Pearl River | Rapid rehousing deposits, case management, and move‑in items through partners | 
| [MUTEH – Balance of State CoC Lead] | Most non‑Coast counties | Coordinated entry and referrals to housing plus basic needs | 
Disaster Recovery Links That Replace Essentials
| Program | Why it matters | Where | 
|---|---|---|
| [MEMA Individual Assistance updates] | Confirms counties eligible and deadlines | Statewide | 
| [FEMA DisasterAssistance.gov via MEMA notices] | Apply for personal property help after storms | DR‑specific | 
How to Shop Smart and Stretch Vouchers
- Go early and ask the manager at [Habitat ReStore Jackson] or the [Gulfport ReStore] about “as‑is” or “quick‑move” items; then use a Salvation Army or SVDP voucher if allowed. If your caseworker wrote the voucher, ask them to call the store ahead. (habitat.org)
- If you can’t haul, ask [Salvation Army Jackson Family Store] about pickup/delivery options and use your CSBG funds for a small delivery fee with your CAA’s approval. Call [United Way 211] if you need a volunteer truck. (southernusa.salvationarmy.org)
FAQs for Single Moms in Mississippi
- How do I get a free bed this week in Jackson
 Start with [Salvation Army Jackson Social Services] for a voucher appointment and ask [MDHS Community Services] if your CSBG case can cover a bed frame; if inventory is tight, shop [Habitat ReStore Jackson] with a small voucher and ask about delivery. (southernusa.salvationarmy.org)
- Who helps on the Gulf Coast if I’m moving from a shelter
 Ask the advocate to refer you to [Open Doors Homeless Coalition] for deposits and move‑in support and contact a parish conference through [SVDP Biloxi Council] for household items; check [Habitat Gulfport/Ocean Springs ReStores] for low‑cost furniture. (opendoorshc.org)
- Can LIHEAP help me with furniture
 LIHEAP pays energy bills but your CAA also runs CSBG, which can support emergency needs; apply through [MDHS LIHEAP pre‑app] and ask the worker to screen CSBG. Use [211 Mississippi] for voucher partners while you wait. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- How long before I hear back about LIHEAP/CSBG
 Priority households should see appointments within 30 business days and others in 45 business days per [MDHS LIHEAP]; Hinds County posts orientation steps at [HCHRA], and crisis cases can be escalated. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- What if my water bill is wrong in Jackson
 Call [JXN Water] at 601‑500‑5200; they note processing is 2–3 business days for new service applications and offer payment plans; ask to be added to the [SNAP customer class] if you receive SNAP. (jxnwater.com)
- Who can help on a domestic‑violence move
 Use the [MCADV resources and shelter map] to find a program like [Care Lodge]; most provide clothing, toiletries, and move‑in item support once housing is secured. (mcadv.org)
- I’m a veteran — is there move‑in help
 Contact [VA Jackson HCHV] for housing and essentials, and ask [MUTEH] or local SSVF providers through 2‑1‑1 to help with deposits and household needs; some vouchers are fast‑tracked for veterans. (va.gov)
- I speak limited English — who can help with forms
 Call [MSDH WIC scheduling] and [Medicaid] for language support, and use [El Pueblo’s Language Access Services] to interpret legal or medical documents. (msdh.ms.gov)
- Are there low‑cost cribs or safe sleep programs
 Ask your hospital or WIC educator about safe sleep and check [MSDH Safe Sleep] guidance; some partners use the national [Cribs for Kids partner directory] to connect eligible families to portable cribs. (msdh.ms.gov)
- Where do I look if a tornado damaged everything
 Watch [MEMA disaster updates] for your county, apply through DisasterAssistance.gov, and ask 2‑1‑1 for local VOAD partners issuing household supplies; [MEMA press notices] list deadlines and recovery centers. (msema.org)
Step‑by‑Step: Get Help in One Afternoon
- Search [211 Mississippi] for “furniture voucher” and “household goods,” then call the top two agencies and leave one voicemail each with your name, number, and best times to call back.
- Complete the [MDHS LIHEAP/CSBG] pre‑application and save your confirmation; text a screenshot to yourself.
- If in Jackson, set up a plan with [JXN Water], and call your electric utility ([Entergy] or [Mississippi Power]) to request a payment arrangement so you can keep buying essentials. (myunitedway.com)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school social worker to email [Salvation Army] or [SVDP] on your behalf, and ask [United Way] for any small grant closets or church ministries not listed online. (southernusa.salvationarmy.org)
Spanish — Resumen Rápido (traducción generada con herramientas de IA)
- Llame al 2‑1‑1 o 866‑472‑8265 para encontrar vales de muebles y artículos del hogar a través de [211 Mississippi] o use la página local de [United Way del Área Capital].
- Complete la solicitud previa de [MDHS LIHEAP/CSBG] en Access MS y pida una cita rápida; traiga identificación, SSN, contrato de arrendamiento y facturas.
- En Jackson, llame a [JXN Water] 601‑500‑5200 para planes de pago y la categoría SNAP; para electricidad, llame a [Entergy Mississippi] o [Mississippi Power – Project SHARE] para ayuda inmediata. (myunitedway.com)
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team. We used official sources you can verify, including:
- [Mississippi Department of Human Services – LIHEAP/CSBG/SNAP]
- [Mississippi Division of Medicaid – Contacts and Offices]
- [Mississippi State Department of Health – WIC and Safe Sleep]
- [JXN Water – Rates, SNAP class, FAQs]
- [Entergy Mississippi – Assistance and Entergy Solutions Marketplace]
- [Mississippi Power – Project SHARE and payment options]
- [Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence – Resources and Shelters]
- [Care Lodge Domestic Violence Shelter]
- [Open Doors Homeless Coalition – Coordinated Entry]
- [MUTEH – Balance of State CoC Lead Agency]
- [United Way 211 Mississippi and regional United Way pages]
- [SVDP Biloxi Council and Hattiesburg Conference]
- [Salvation Army – Jackson, Gulf Coast, Tupelo Corps/Family Store]
- [Habitat ReStores – Jackson and Gulf Coast]
- [Jackson Resource Center]
Last verified: September 2025, next review April January 2026.
Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.
Disclaimer
This guide is informational, not legal advice. Benefits, vouchers, and inventories change based on county and funding. Always call to confirm current availability before applying, and ask agencies like [MDHS], [Medicaid], and [United Way 211] to explain their most recent rules. If you are in immediate danger, call 9‑1‑1, or for confidential help contact a program through [MCADV’s resource map]. (mdhs.ms.gov)
What to do if this entire plan still stalls
Ask a local coordinator to “warm handoff” you to another provider — for example, have [HCHRA] call [Salvation Army Jackson] while you remain on the line, or ask [United Way of West Central Mississippi] to message a partner through their resource hub on your behalf. Schedule a second 2‑1‑1 search for tomorrow, and keep your phone charged and ready for callbacks. (hchra.org)
You’ve got options. Use the links, make the calls, and tell each intake you are a single mom with children in the home who needs household items to make the place livable. That phrasing matters and often moves your case up the list.
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- ⚡ Utility Assistance
- 🥛 WIC Benefits
- 🏦 TANF Assistance
- 🏠 Housing Assistance
- 👶 Childcare Assistance
- 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
- 🚨 Emergency Assistance
- 🤝 Community Support
- 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
- 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
- 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
- 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
- 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
- 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
- 👩💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
- 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
- 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
- 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
- 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
- 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery
