Rental assistance requests surge at United Way of South Mississippi

Rental assistance requests now dominate the phone lines at United Way of South Mississippi, according to CEO Kathy Springer. She stated that the organization receives calls daily from residents struggling to pay rent or utilities. Springer noted that the holiday season intensifies these pressures for households in the Gulfport area.

Springer explained that small, unexpected expenses often trigger a financial crisis. "Maybe they’ve had a crisis in their lives, just a blown tire, so the rent money is having to put out a fire for them, and then the rent is gone," she said. This dynamic is exacerbated by the region’s prolonged high gas prices, which she identified as a major factor affecting household budgets.

The financial strain is documented in the United for ALICE report for Mississippi. The report defines the ALICE threshold as households that are asset-limited, income-constrained, but employed. In 2024, 19 percent of Mississippi households lived at the federal poverty level. An additional 29 percent met the ALICE threshold. Springer described these working families as being "one disaster away from not being able to make ends meet that month."

Housing costs in Harrison County present a specific challenge. The average rent for a two-bedroom home is just over $1,300 per month. For families earning the state minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, this expense is substantial. Springer observed that many single-parent households are forced to work two or three jobs. "We find that a lot of, particularly our single-parent households, are out there working two or three jobs just to care for their family. $7.25 is not a livable wage," she said.

Access to existing food resources remains inconsistent. While South Mississippi has numerous food banks and pantries, Springer said transportation often prevents people from reaching them. She noted that the organization relies on 12 Baskets and Feeding the Gulf Coast food pantries. However, availability of services fluctuates rapidly. "What could be available today may not be available next week or even tomorrow," Springer said.

Donations to United Way and other local nonprofits have also declined compared to last year. Springer attributed this trend to the economy. "We’re all seeing the same donor. Maybe their contribution is not as big as it was last year. Or maybe they have to sit out a year or so until things turn around," she said. The organization accepts tax-deductible gifts online or via phone at 896-2213. Volunteers can also contact the group to assist with current projects.