Page 38 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2018

BACK BAY MISSION becoming self-sufficient PROVIDES
ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos by Neil Ladner
T hey say people are characterized by their actions, and for Back
Bay Mission, those actions are
undoubtably their programs. From homeless outreach to emergency assistance and veterans support, the heart of Back Bay Mission is for the people. Each of these programs aims to foster long-term sustainability and self- sufficiency.
HOMELESS OUTREACH
Arguably one of Back May Mission’s largest programs is its Homeless Outreach, which provides people living in homelessness with the resources they need. These resources can be anything from hygiene products to helping with referrals that can help individuals find suitable housing.
The Micah Day Center provides multiple services to homeless guests all in one location. Here, visitors
have access to showers, laundry,
case management and telephone and internet service that can help them find a job or connect with relatives. Last year alone, the Micah Day Center provided 21,360 services.
“The Micah Day Center is really
a safe haven for these guests,” said Community Relations Associate Laura Payne. “It’s a safe, welcoming and comfortable place that can serve as a home base. Guests can even receive mail there and use the address when applying for jobs.”
The Homeless Outreach program also
includes Home at Last, which provides permanent supportive housing to individuals and families who are disabled and chronically homeless. “We have 17 different housing units across the three coastal counties,” said Payne. “This program not only gets them off the street, but supports them while they work towards independence and self-sufficiency.”
HOUSING
Back Bay Mission also supports eligible homeowners through its Housing Rehabilitation program, which assists with home rehabilitation and repair. This service helps seniors, low- income families and disabled persons whose homes are in need of restoration.
The program also works closely with the Gulf Coast Housing Initiative, which provides affordable, safe and dignified housing opportunities for low and moderate income people across the Coast.
STAFF MEMBER KIRSTEN HEBRON talks with a visitor in the welcoming atmosphere of the Micah Day Center.
LAURA PAYNE Community Relations Associate at Back Bay Mission.
EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY
Back Bay Mission’s Mission Trip program provides hands-on service learning experiences for hundreds of volunteers across the nation. “Between 800 and 1,000 people visit each year
to help improve neighborhoods in our community,” Payne said. “Not only does this support our Housing mission, but it opens people’s eyes to Mississippi’s culture and many times
38 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • July 2018
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