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The American Red Cross Mississippi Gulf Coat Chapter, located at 2782 Fernwood Road in Biloxi, (ph: 228 896-4511), administers two programs that can assist people with their utility bills. The programs are paid for by donations from Mississippi Power and Coast Electric customers who are trying to help their neighbors. Mississippi Power has the Share Project and Coast Electric has a program called Share My Blessing, and the Red Cross partners with both of these groups to provide aid.
To be eligible for assistance, applicants need to be experiencing an emergency or crisis situation, such as an unexpected medical or hospital bill, they need to be 62 or older, or they must be disabled. However, the American Red Cross will also consider other applications and situations on a case by case basis, and other people may still be able to receive aid. Also, if you are struggling with a medical or hospital bill, find ways to get assistance with hospital bills.
For example, they have provided funds if a family member is in the military and deployed, or if someone had to travel to an out of town location to address a family medical emergency. Note that just being unemployed isn't in itself necessarily considered an emergency situation, however the group has helped people in some situations when people have found themselves out of work.
How much can you receive? The Red Cross can pay up to $100 for Mississippi Power bills and up to $50 on Coast Electric bills.
Even if the Red Cross can’t help you in your situation, other groups, like the Salvation Army, may be able to aid you. You are never limited to just one agency or charity. Some people may be able to go to the red Cross and get $100, and then apply at another charity organization or agency and get $50 more.
Currently, the Red Cross of Biloxi and Gulfport helps about 100 people per month, and you can only receive aid once per year.
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While funding is always limited, several other resources and assistance programs are available. The non-profits listed below may have cash assistance and grants they can offer individuals (or help them apply to) or the agencies can refer people to other local services, such as federal government and state of Mississippi assistance programs. For example, click here for more on state public assistance.
Biloxi Saint Vincent De Paul is a leading non-profit agency. Apply for assistance, including free food, clothing, as well as partial payments on utility bills as well as prescription medications and medical bills. From time to time funds maybe available for rent too. Address is 314 Jim Money Road, Biloxi, MS 39531, phone number (228) 388-1837
Catholic Social and Community Services of Biloxi Mississippi. An on site food bank is offered by this non-profit organization who feed the needy. In addition, the Morning Star program is for pregnant women or women who have newborns or children 3 years of age and younger. Qualified women will receive baby food, formula, diapers and baby goods. Women with young kids may also qualify for financial help for bills. Stop by 2204 24th Avenue, Biloxi, Mississippi 39532, or call (228) 863-0429
The Harrison County is supported by the Gulf Coast Community Action Agency. This non-profit agency provides basic needs and emergency assistance for those who qualify. The non-profit can offer case management, social services, free HUD foreclosure counseling, information and referral, low income energy assistance (LIHEAP), weatherization program, and also Headstart. 500 24th Street, Gulfport, Mississippi 39507, main phone number for service is (888) 603-4222.
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