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Housing Shelter Food Transportation Utilities Leg...: local programs and next steps

Call 211 first and ask for Stone County-specific shelter, food pantry, utility, and transportation referrals.

Free No sign-in Provider verification required enLocal Government ProgramMississippi Department of Human Services - Economic AssistanceNonprofitMississippi Center for Legal Services - Get Legal Help

Before you apply

BenefitsGPS gives referral suggestions and contact leads. It is not an official eligibility decision, legal advice, medical advice, or a guarantee that a program has funding or openings.

  • Confirm eligibility, service area, documents, hours, waitlists, and current availability.
  • Avoid sharing Social Security numbers, case numbers, medical records, immigration identifiers, or other sensitive identifiers unless you are on a verified provider page.
  • For emergencies, contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately.

Programs to contact

1

Mississippi Department of Human Services - Economic Assistance

Local Government Program

Stone County residents: apply for SNAP/EBT, utility crisis help, child care and Head Start referrals through state economic assistance. Apply online

Open provider page +1-601-359-4500
2

Mississippi Center for Legal Services - Get Legal Help

Nonprofit

Legal aid for Perkinston/Stone County tenants and benefit appeals, evictions, and health-related legal issues. Call for intake

Open provider page
3

Feeding the Gulf Coast - Find Food

Nonprofit

Find food pantries, meal sites, and SNAP enrollment help serving Stone County and Perkinston residents; see schedule & eligibility

Open provider page +1-251-653-1617
4

Open Doors Homeless Coalition - Get Help

Nonprofit

Rental assistance, housing vouchers, and youth programs for South Mississippi residents facing homelessness; call for intake

Open provider page +1-559-711-9780
5

Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence - Shelter and Crisis Services

Nonprofit

Emergency domestic violence shelter, crisis services, and survivor support for South Mississippi; call for intake

Open provider page +1-800-800-1396
6

Back Bay Mission - Client Services

Nonprofit

Emergency shelter, case management, and housing placement assistance for unhoused adults on the Gulf Coast; see hours & eligibility

Open provider page
7

Coast Transit Authority - Paratransit Services

Local Government Program

Paratransit and accessible public transit serving coastal Mississippi to reach medical, work, and service appointments; see schedule & eligibility

Open provider page +1-666-666-6666

Recommended next steps

  • Call 211 first and ask for Stone County-specific shelter, food pantry, utility, and transportation referrals.
  • Apply for SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid-related help through MDHS economic assistance.
  • Contact Gulf Coast Community Action quickly for LIHEAP utility help; funds can run out.
  • Use Feeding the Gulf Coast's food finder and call sites before traveling to confirm hours.
  • If you are homeless or at risk, contact Open Doors for coordinated entry and housing navigation.
  • If fleeing violence or unsafe housing, call Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence's 24-hour crisis line.
  • Ask Mississippi Center for Legal Services about eviction, benefits denial, debt, or family safety issues.
  • Bring ID, proof of Stone County address, income, lease, utility bill, and benefit letters to appointments.
  • Ask each agency about gas cards, medical rides, or bus/paratransit options for appointments.
  • If one program cannot help, request a written referral to another Stone County or Gulf Coast provider.

Need categories

•

Housing and Shelter

  • Emergency and Stability
•

Food Assistance

  • Food Security