Mississippi Employment
Mississippi Affordable Rentals
Mississippi Homeless Shelters, Food Pantries and More
MISSISSIPPI EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE

Mississippi Happenings

DISCLAIMER

JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS PRECIOUS INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED. OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE ARTICLES BY OTHER WRITERS. I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS HOWEVER, I DO RESPECT THEM. THANK YOU

ALSO:

If you would like to add information to this page please feel free to contact me at:

OUR CONTACT INFORMATION AND HOURS HAVE CHANGED TO:

1-732-264-7500 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 7:30AM EST TO 5PM EST
1-609-577-3555 24/7/365 FOR EMERGENCIES
OR ANN@HOMELESSTOINDEPENDENCE.ORG

Thank you!

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DISASTER RELATED MATERIALS ARE NOW LOCATED ON OUR NEW “MISSISSIPPI EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE” PAGE!

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Mississippi Health Benefits (CHIP)
Managing Agency Mississippi http://www.mississippi.gov

Program Description
Through Mississippi Health Benefits, there are two health insurance options that cover children: the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid. CHIP is a free/low cost private health plan for children in families meeting family size/income requirements. This program covers eligible children to their 19th birthday. Families are urged to apply to see if their children are eligible for either the CHIP or the Medicaid program.

General Program Requirements

In order to qualify for CHIP, a child must be a resident of Mississippi, under age 19, not covered by other insurance, and a U.S. citizen or legal immigrant.

In order to qualify, you must also have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
Household Size* Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1 $22,340
2 $30,260
3 $38,180
4 $46,100
5 $54,020
6 $61,940
7 $69,860
8 $77,780
*For households with more than eight people, add $7,920 per additional person.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
To apply for CHIP, please download and complete the following PDF application:

http://www.medicaid.ms.gov/ApplicationForms/MHB-ChipApp.pdf

You may also request an application by calling 1-800-421-2408.

Applications for Mississippi Health Benefits are also available by mail, but an in-person interview is required as part of the application process.

Mail or bring the completed application form to the Human Services Office in the county where the applicant lives:

http://www.medicaid.ms.gov/RegionalOffices.aspx

Program Contact Information
For more information on Mississippi Health Benefits, please visit our website: http://www.medicaid.ms.gov/Eligibility.aspx

Updated 05-06-12

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Mississippi Head Start
Managing Agency Mississippi http://www.mississippi.gov
Program Description
The Head Start program (for children ages 3-5) and Early Head Start program (for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers) promote school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social services. Parents play a large role in the programs, both as primary educators of their children and as participants in administering the programs locally. Both programs provide pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment. Parents are also provided social services, including assistance with childcare. Services are also available to migrant and seasonal farm worker families.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Mississippi, and a parent or primary caregiver responsible for a child who is too young for public school.

Household Size* Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1 $14,521
2 $19,669
3 $24,817
4 $29,965
5 $35,113
6 $40,261
7 $45,409
8 $50,557
*For households with more than eight people, add $5,148 per additional person.

If you do not meet these criteria, you may still qualify if you are a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident whose financial status is low income or very low income, who is under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed, facing pregnancy, less than 19 years of age yourself, or the parent or primary caregiver for children under the age of 19 years. Other qualifications may apply.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
The Head Start Locator provides a searchable database of Head Start programs. To apply for this program please visit the following website, which will direct you to the Head Start office nearest to you:

http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices

Program Contact Information
For more information on the Mississippi Department of Education, please call at: 601-359-3513
Or visit our website at: http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/

Posted 04-09-12

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Festivals and Fun Times:

Mississippi, Tupelo
Ringling Brothers Barnum Bailey Circus
Ringling Brothers Circus Dates: May 11, 2012 – May 11, 2012
Location: BancorpSouth Arena
Tupelo, MS
Lee County
Event Hours: 7pm

Mississippi, Tupelo
Ringling Brothers Barnum Bailey Circus
Dates: May 12, 2012 – May 12, 2012
Location: BancorpSouth Arena
Tupelo, MS
Lee County
Event Hours: 1pm

Mississippi, Tupelo
Ringling Brothers Barnum Bailey Circus
Dates: May 12, 2012 – May 12, 2012
Location: BancorpSouth Arena
Tupelo, MS
Lee County
Event Hours: 5pm

Mississippi, Tupelo
Ringling Brothers Barnum Bailey Circus
Dates: May 12, 2012 – May 12, 2012
Location: BancorpSouth Arena
Tupelo, MS
Lee County
Event Hours: 5pm

Mississippi, Tupelo
Ringling Brothers Barnum Bailey Circus
Ringling Brothers Circus Dates: May 13, 2012 – May 13, 2012
Location: BancorpSouth Arena
Tupelo, MS
Lee County
Event Hours: 3pm

Mississippi, Southaven
Miranda Lambert with Chris Young
Miranda Lambert Dates: May 18, 2012 – May 18, 2012
Location: Landers Center
Southaven, MS
DeSoto County
Event Hours: 7:30pm

Mississippi, Biloxi
Riverside West Kennel Club Dog Show
Dates: May 31, 2012 – June 1, 2012
Location: Mississippi Coast Coliseum
Biloxi, MS
Harrison County
Phone Number: 504-298-3880

Mississippi, Biloxi
Northlake Kennel Club Dog Show
Dates: June 1, 2012 – June 2, 2012
Location: Mississippi Coast Coliseum
Biloxi, MS
Harrison County
Phone Number: 985-386-5478

Mississippi, Biloxi
Mississippi Coast Coliseum Summer Fair
Dates: June 7, 2012 – June 17, 2012
Location: Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center
2350 Beach Blvd.
Biloxi, MS
Harrison County
Phone Number: 228-594-3707
Description: delicious food, spectacular midway rides, challenging games, free shows, live music, contests, and unique vendors
Admission: free Sunday through Thursday Just $5 on Fridays and Saturdays and free for ages 12 and under.

Mississippi, Biloxi
Scrapin the Coast
Dates: June 22, 2012 – June 24, 2012
Location: Mississippi Coast Coliseum
Biloxi, MS
Harrison County

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Program Description
LIHEAP provides financial assistance to eligible households to help pay the cost of home energy bills and other energy related
services. Benefits vary depending on the intensity level and are based on the rating tool. Households may qualify for regular LIHEAP
assistance and/or the Energy Crisis (emergency) Intervention Program (ECIP) for natural gas, wood, electricity, liquid petroleum
propane/butane gas, and other energy related services. The allocation of funds to subgrantees is based on the percentage of poor
households in each county compared with the state’s poverty level according to the current census data.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Mississippi, you must not exceed $13,538 if one
person lives in the household; $18,213 if two people live in the household; $27,465 if three people live in the household; $22,888 if
four people live in the household; $32,238 if five people live in the household; $36,913 if six people live in the household; $41,588 if
seven people live in the household; and $46,263 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $5,610 for each
additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
Applications are received by the Community Action Agencies or Human Resource Agencies. All (82) counties have application sites
where clients can apply. If you do not know your local agency, you may call the Community Services Line toll-free number, 1-800-
421-0762/local, (601) 359-4768.

Program Contact Information
For more information about this program, please visit:
www.mdhs.state.ms.us/cs_info.html

Managing Agency
Mississippi

http://www.mississippi.gov

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Program Description
The Mississippi Food Stamp Program provides monthly benefits that help low income households buy the food they need for good
health. Eligibility criteria, income and resource limits and allotment maximums per household size are set by Federal laws and
regulations governing the Food Stamps Program under USDA. A person who meets one of the following criteria may qualify for food
stamps:
1. Work for low wages.
2. Unemployed or work part-time.
3. Receive TANF, SSI or other assistance payments.
4. Elderly or disabled and live on a small income.
Additional eligibility requirements exist. You will need to work with the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Economic
Assistance Office to determine whether you are eligible for benefits. To apply for benefits, you must submit an application to your
local county Department of Human Services Economic Assistance office. After an application is received, an eligibility worker will
hold an interview with you, another member of the household, or a household’s authorized representative to gather information and
explain the Food Stamp Program. After all required verifications are completed, the household will be notified by mail whether or not
they are eligible, and, if so, their benefit amount, certification period and issuance procedure. If you qualify for food stamps, the
household will receive the food stamps no later than 30 days from the date the office receives the application. Households with very
low income and resources may qualify for expedited services receive benefits within seven calendar days.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Mississippi and fall into one of two groups: (1)
those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings
and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a
disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less than
$13284 if one person lives in the household; $17808 if two people live in the household; $22332 if three people live in the household;
$26856 if four people live in the household; $31380 if five people live in the household; $35904 if six people live in the household;
$40428 if seven people live in the household; or $44952 if more than seven people live in the household.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
Information, Questions or Concerns about Division of Economic Assistance programs.
Please call us at:
800-948-3050

Or send us an email at:
zrobinson@mdhs.state.ms.us

You may obtain an application on our Web site at:

http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/ea_application.pdf

Please be aware other information may be needed, as well as an in office interview to complete the application process. This
application is only the first step.

Managing Agency
Mississippi

http://www.mississippi.gov

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Program Description
The School Breakfast Program provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious breakfast to students each
day. Similarly, the goal of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is to protect the health and well-being of the nation’s children
by providing nutritious school meals every day. NSLP provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious school
lunch. Schools receive Federal funds for each breakfast and lunch served, provided that the meal meets established nutrition
standards.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Mississippi and a parent or primary caregiver
responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under). Those who qualify must also have an annual household
income before taxes that must not exceed $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household;
$40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household;
$61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for
each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your child’s school. A listing of your state’s schools can be found here:

http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/Districts/msmap2.htm

Program Contact Information
For information on the Mississippi School Breakfast program please visit:

http://www.cn.mde.k12.ms.us/support/faqs/default.htm

And for School lunch, please visit:

http://www.cn.mde.k12.ms.us/support/faqs/default.htm#nslp

If you have further questions on these programs, please contact the Mississippi Office of Child Nutrition at:
601-354-7014

You can also contact your child’s school to find out what meals are served and how to apply for free or reduced price school meals.

Managing Agency
Mississippi

http://www.mississippi.gov

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Program Description
The WIC Program provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to low-income pregnant,
breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk. To be fully
eligible for the WIC Program, applicants must be determined by a health professional, at no cost, to be at nutritional risk (i.e., have
certain medical-based or diet-based risk conditions).
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Mississippi, pregnant, breastfeeding and
postpartum woman, infant or child up to 5 years of age and: (1) are individually determined by a health professional to be at nutrition
risk; and, (2) meet an income standard, or are determined automatically income eligible. A person who participates or has family
members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Food Stamp Program, Medicaid or Temporary Assistance
for Needy Families, automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply, set up an appointment at the WIC clinic closest to you:

http://www.msdh.state.ms.us/msdhsite/_static/19,0,166.html

Program Contact Information
Please see the following Web Site for the income standard or maximum income limit for WIC eligibility:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm

For more information on Mississippi WIC, please visit the Mississippi State Department of Health (DoH) at:

http://www.msdh.state.ms.us/msdhsite/_static/41,0,128.html

If you have questions about the WIC program call the Mississippi DoH at:
800-721-7222

Managing Agency
Mississippi

http://www.mississippi.gov

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Program Description
The Special Milk Program is designed to encourage fluid milk consumption by selling milk to students at the lowest possible price
and serving milk free to students determined to be eligible. This program is not available to schools participating in the National
School. The Special Milk Program is restricted to children who do not have available any other Child Nutrition Programs. The subsidy
for milk is determined annually and is a set reimbursement rate. The school district must cover the cost not covered by the
reimbursement-such as, the cost of labor to handle the milk storage, equipment depreciation, paper supplies, and other overhead.
School districts interested in this program may call the Office of Child Nutrition for the current regulations and funding rates.
General Program Requirements
Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk. Schools may elect to offer free milk to
low-income children. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Mississippi, your household’s
annual income before taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household; $26,955 if two people live in the
household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the
household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live
in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Special Milk program, directly contact your child’s school, camp, or child care institution to find out if it participates
in the Special Milk Program.

The Federal agency Child Nutrition Programs manages this program and provides state contact information here:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm

Additionally, your state education agency can also provide you with more information about the program:

http://www.healthyschoolsms.org/nutrition_services/smp.htm

Program Contact Information
To visit the Mississippi Special Milk Program on the web, please go to:

http://www.cn.mde.k12.ms.us/cnprogs/spmk/default.htm

You may also contact your local school district if you have other inquiries regarding the program.

For more information, please call the Department of Education-Food and Nutrition Service office toll-free at:
800-366-8922

Managing Agency
Mississippi

http://www.mississippi.gov

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Program Description
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) funds are used to improve the conditions of eligible low-income clients’ homes. The
program is designed to reduce home heating and cooling costs by improving energy efficiency and ensuring health and safety.
Priority is given to low-income elderly and disabled individuals.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Mississippi, your household’s annual income
before taxes must not exceed $13,538 if one person lives in the household; $18,213 if two people live in the household; $22,888 if
three people live in the household; $27,563 if four people live in the household; $32,238 if five people live in the household; $36,913 if
six people live in the household; $41,588 if seven people live in the household; and $46,263 if eight people live in the household. For
larger households, add $4,675 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
Applications are taken at Community Action Agencies or Human Resource Agencies. All 82 counties have application sites where
clients can apply. If you do not know your local agency, you may call the Community Services Line toll-free number at (800) 421-
0762 or local at (601) 359-4768.

Program Contact Information
For more information, visit:

http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/cs_info.html#eba

Managing Agency
Mississippi

http://www.mississippi.gov

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Program Description
Mississippi Medicaid is a health care program that helps pay for medical services for low-income people. For those eligible for full
Medicaid services, Medicaid is paid to providers of health care. Providers are doctors, hospitals and pharmacists who take
Medicaid.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Mississippi, a US national, citizen, permanent
resident, or legal alien, in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low income
or very low income. You must also be either pregnant, a parent or relative caretaker of a dependent child(ren) under age 19, blind,
have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability, or be 65 years of age or older.

Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
To learn more about Mississippi Medicaid, please visit the state Division of Medicaid website:

http://www.medicaid.ms.gov/

You can also call the toll free number for the Division of Medicaid:
800-421-2408

Applications for Medicaid for individuals who are aged or disabled may be filed at the Medicaid Regional Office that serves the
county where the individual lives or the county where the individual resides in a nursing facility. To see a list of state regional offices,
click to:

http://www.medicaid.ms.gov/RegionalOffices.aspx

Managing Agency
Mississippi

http://www.mississippi.gov

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New Appalachian Driving Tours Map Announced

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and National Geographic Society have announced the release of the completion of the
new Appalachian Driving Tours Map. Commissioned by ARC, the map features 28 unique driving trails of the Appalachian Region
that lead to a broad array of historical, archeological, cultural, and scenic sites.

Map readers are encouraged to “Visit Appalachia” through a newly-developed, consumer-oriented online companion piece at visitappalachia.com>. The site’s content will feature an interactive version of the 28 driving tours featured on the map, a
downloadable PDF of the map, Google map features to help travelers plan their next driving vacation to Appalachia, and links to the
13 Appalachian State Tourism offices for additional information.

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Tune In Mississippi – Mississippi’s Online Radio Station

While you’re visiting the Mississippi Tourism website, be sure to click the Mississippi Music button so you can listen to “Tune In
Mississippi” – our online radio station that’s on the web 24 hours a day. The “Tune In Mississippi” web radio station features music
by Mississippians or about Mississippi, with a great lineup of programming and more to come in the near future. It’s just another way
for you to experience the birthplace of America’s music while you’re on the web.

Wi-Fi Now Available at Selected Mississippi Welcome Centers

Wi-Fi service is now available at the Mississippi Welcome Centers in Hancock, Lauderdale and DeSoto counties. Now you can catch
up on work when you stop at one of these three Welcome Centers. While you’re here, you’ll also appreciate the neatly manicured
grounds featuring picnic tables and grills, telephones, recreational vehicle waste disposal facilities, 24-hour security, restrooms and
weather information. Motorcoach parking is available, as well as complimentary refreshments. The Welcome Center staff stands
ready to answer any questions you have, and they can even help you make lodging reservations in Mississippi. Regular hours at all
Welcome Centers are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.

Discover Mississippi’s 21 Certified Retirement Cities

Hometown Mississippi Retirement is proud to present 21 Certified Retirement Cities – the best hometowns for retirement living in
the state. To qualify as a Certified Retirement City, each town must pass through a three-month intensive screening process
conducted by Hometown Mississippi Retirement, the state’s official retiree attraction program. Cities are evaluated on the criteria
important to retirees including affordable cost of living, low taxes, low crime rate, quality medical care, recreation, educational and
cultural opportunities, and most importantly, a warm, welcoming community.

Our 21 Certified Retirement Cities throughout the state offer a variety of lifestyles. You can choose from quaint towns or settle in a
more metropolitan area. A number of our cities are home to universities, and all are served by community colleges. History lives in
antebellum architecture, and retired military enjoy privileges at the five major military installations in the state. No matter what
terrain you choose – rolling hills, flatlands, lush forested areas, or the coastline along the Gulf of Mexico – a mild four-season climate
lets you enjoy the outdoors year-round. For complete information and details about each of the 21 Certified Retirement Cities, log on
to:

VisitMississippi.org Helps You Plan Your Trip Quickly

The best place to find all of the updated information about events, activities and attractions in Mississippi is by going to our website,
. While you’re there you can even order your eTour Guide. To get details about events all across
the state, be sure to click on “Events” at the top of the home page.

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WE LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED WHEN IT COMES TO HELPING OTHERS!!