Help from Back Bay Mission.
The social services from Back Bay Mission are focused on needs such as housing, food, utilities, and employment/education. Whether a family needs help in paying their rent or a past due utility bill, or if they need transportation to a job interview, then there may be some form of help available.
When applying for financial help for an expense such as rent, the applicant also needs to contribute a portion of what is due. The agency, which is based in Biloxi, will never pay the entire outstanding bill. Not only are funds always limited (and often have a waiting list) but the person also needs to show the willingness to pay some funds as well in an effort to break the cycle of poverty.
The non-profit agency conducts outreach and support services for community members who have a history of falling behind on their bills or going hungry. Back Bay Mission also directs chronic homelessness and/or individuals who are at risk of becoming evicted without support to financial aid programs or case management.
Back Bay Mission offers information on ongoing entitlements and benefits management and referrals to support services, such as resources for paying rent, mental-health and/or substance-abuse counseling, transportation assistance, and free food programs. These services are provided to help clients maintain housing stability, keep their heat or utilities on, or prevent crises.
The Direct Services includes their Emergency Assistance (EA) program. The goal of any funds is to help the Harrison County Mississippi family pay the bills over the short term while they regain stability. Additional support from Back Bay may be a voucher for prescription medications for the ill, or housing needs ranging from rent to electric bills or a security deposit.
Back Bay Mission runs a Food Pantry. The operation is open a few days per week on a walk-in basis. It can only be used once per month and is focused on a small service territory.
The center is extensive in that it supplies food and personal hygiene products for dozens of low income individuals on a monthly basis. For those eligible to the program, they will receive a 14 day supply of food which includes rice, cereal, pasta and sauce, beans, fresh or frozen meat, soup, crackers, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter and jelly, bread, oil, tuna, macaroni and cheese, pancake mix and syrup, mashed potatoes and gravy, flour, sugar, salt, and powdered milk. Fresh produce and fruits are distributed based on availability.
In addition, clients of the Back Bay Mission food pantry will receive household goods. These include deodorant, detergent, toilet paper, toothbrushes, paper goods, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo. The center runs through purchases made by donations to Back Bay Mission and is supplemented with non-perishable food donations especially from a large monthly food drive conducted by parishioners of the local church in Biloxi or Gulfport.
Housing programs from Back Bay Mission
Emergency Home Repairs and Rehabilitation – This is a program that provides support for low-income homeowners. To be eligible for this form of assistance, applicants must earn a total household income that is at or below 80 percent of the state of Mississippi and regional Harrison County area median income (adjusted for household size) as well as both own and occupy the home. They also need to have lived there for at least one year. The work done may include the following.
- -Repairs to Heating System, such as non-working furnace (must have one of these problems), adjustments to gas or carbon monoxide leaks and more.
- -There needs to also be a replacement or repair to nonworking or inefficient heating systems and units.
- -Back Bay Mission may help with plumbing. This may be gasoline leaks; sewer lines to the house, water heater repair or replacement; and in some cases septic systems.
- -Other work for qualified low income families may be roof patching, lighting, or the repair or replacement of any electrical parts that are found to be hazardous.
The homeless can get assistance as well. There are programs for veterans as well as others that lost their home to a foreclosure or eviction. One of the services is the Micah Day Center. It is a drop in location in which clients can get a hot meal, use a computer, or do their laundry. Then, while there, they can learn about the other services that the mission offers.
Case management provides mid-level support services between crisis intervention and professional counseling. The Back Bay Mission assesses individuals on a case-by-case basis. After that has, directs them to the appropriate community resources, and follows up to ensure that their needs were met. So the process is ongoing.
Whether it is help to get a driver's license or birth certificate, or employment needs, support is offered. The agency also works with clients to develop long-term solutions so that they can maintain their self-sufficiency.
The main location of the Back Bay Mission is at 1012 Division Street, Biloxi, Mississippi 39530. Call the non-profit at (228) 432-0301 for more information on their client services.
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