Housing Assistance Resources in Mississippi
Last updated September 22, 2026
Mississippi residents facing housing instability — whether due to eviction, job loss, domestic violence, or disaster — have access to a range of federal and state-administered programs. Because availability and eligibility can vary by county, one of the fastest ways to find what's available near you is to call or text 211 (or visit 211ms.org), Mississippi's free, 24/7 referral service that connects callers to local emergency shelter, rental assistance, utility help, and more.
The Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) and the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) administer key housing-related programs at the state level, including federally funded rental assistance and homelessness prevention resources. HUD-funded Continuum of Care networks operating across Mississippi coordinate shelter and transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness. Your local housing authority — found through the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority network or HUD's website — administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in your area.
If you are in immediate danger of losing your housing, don't wait for an appointment — call 211 first, then reach out to your local community action agency. Many counties have nonprofit organizations that can help with short-term rental or mortgage arrears; a 211 specialist can point you directly to what is currently funded and accepting applications in your zip code.
Key programs in Mississippi
211 Mississippi
Free, confidential referral service connecting Mississippi residents to local emergency shelter, rental assistance, utility aid, food, and other social services available in their specific county or region.
How to access: Call or text 2-1-1 from any phone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also search online at 211ms.org. Interpreters are available.
HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) — Mississippi Local Housing Authorities
Federally funded rental assistance that subsidizes housing costs for low-income individuals and families in the private market. Vouchers are administered locally by Mississippi's regional and municipal public housing authorities.
How to access: Contact the public housing authority that serves your county. You can find your local authority through the HUD resource locator at hud.gov or by calling 211. Be aware that waitlists are common; apply as early as possible and ask about any open waitlists.
Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) — Community Services Block Grant & Emergency Assistance
MDHS funds community action agencies across Mississippi that may provide emergency rental and utility assistance, case management, and homelessness prevention services to low-income households.
How to access: Visit mdhs.ms.gov or call your local MDHS county office. You can find county office contact information on the MDHS website. Calling 211 can also connect you directly to the right local agency.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — Mississippi
Helps low-income Mississippi households pay heating and cooling utility bills, reducing the risk of utility shutoff that can threaten housing stability. Administered in Mississippi through MDHS and local community action agencies.
How to access: Apply through your local community action agency or MDHS county office. Call 211 to find the agency nearest you and ask when the current enrollment period is open, as funding is seasonal and limited.
VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) & HUD-VASH — Mississippi
Veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing housing may qualify for HUD-VASH (a combination of Housing Choice Vouchers and VA case management) or SSVF rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention services.
How to access: Contact the nearest VA Medical Center in Mississippi (locations in Jackson, Biloxi, and others) or call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838), available 24/7. You can also ask 211 to connect you to veteran-specific housing resources in your area.
Housing Assistance resources for Mississippi
Housing Education And Economic Development, Inc.
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
Mississippi Faith Based Coalition For Community Renewal, Inc.
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
Mississippi Housing Partnership, Inc.
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
Voice Of Calvary Ministries
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
West Jackson Cdc
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
211 Housing & Shelter
NationwideLocal shelter, rental, and housing assistance referrals. Dial 211.
National Low Income Housing Coalition
NationwideResources and local referrals for affordable housing and rental assistance.
Other resources in Mississippi
- Food Assistance in Mississippi
- Utility Assistance in Mississippi
- Transportation Assistance in Mississippi
- Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance in Mississippi
- Mental Health Resources in Mississippi
- Domestic Violence Resources in Mississippi
- Disability Resources in Mississippi
- Veteran Resources in Mississippi
- Child & Family Assistance in Mississippi
- Senior Resources in Mississippi