Page 169 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2025

along the Coast working to eliminate homelessness. “Back Bay Mission, Open Doors Homeless Coalition, Community Care Network, and the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi are similar organizations. All of us are passionate about our work but it takes more than that to keep funding flowing to the areas where we need it the most.”
The HRC’s leadership is acutely aware that securing funding is essential to their mission. Rhodes carefully keeps the HRC in compliance with grant and public funding regulations. “We need
to be good stewards of what we are given. We must be above reproach. The families we help depend on that.” The organization helps more than 1,400 families a year on average.
Deputy Director Kelly Kowalski, who has also been with the HRC since the beginning, agrees there are challenges
to securing consistent funding, but says working with the nonprofit makes her feel good every day. “Getting people help can be a long process, but I understand people going through hard times. It’s not easy. I feel good when just one person we have helped is doing well.”
There are so many ways to support people in need right now. Think about helping those without a home. Purchase
gift cards for living essentials or food and drop them off at one of the nonprofits working with homeless families. Donate to a food pantry. Give new toys to a local toy drive. Or give a family the gift of Christmas through an adopt a family program. Go to the Hancock Resource Center’s website to find a list of needs. Whether it is a charity working to resolve homelessness, a faith-based outreach program, or a nonprofit working in another area of need, consider giving generously.
It is said that when you give to others, you will be paid back in unexpected ways. Maybe one of those unexpected returns is recognizing when you are more fortunate than others and being grateful for your blessings. Make it a habit to appreciate family, friends, and home every day. Take time to enjoy all of that and more this holiday season. Laugh a lot. Hug a lot. Eat a lot. And joyfully give to others.
Holly Harrison has been a licensed interior designer for over 35 years. Shannon Stage has spent nearly 20 years in the giftware industry. Together they own Sassy Bird Interiors in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
Sassy Bird Interiors
211 Main St., Bay St. Louis 228.344.3181 | www.sassybirdinteriors.com
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