By Edelia J. Carthan, Ed.D.,
Contributing Writer,
Homelessness remains a significant issue in Mississippi, particularly in its capital city of Jackson. On Tuesday night, before Thanksgiving, Mississippi Move (MSMOVE), Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and several other community organizations hosted the 10th Annual Sleep Out to Help the Homeless at Pittman Park, formerly Poindexter Park.
The event drew volunteers and community leaders who slept outside to raise awareness about homelessness while providing immediate support to those in need. Organizers distributed food, clothing, blankets, and even medical services to individuals experiencing homelessness in the area.
Mac Epps, executive director of MSMOVE, emphasized the importance of bringing the community together to tackle this issue. “This event is about more than just one night; it’s about showing the people in our city that they are seen, valued and supported. Homelessness is a problem we all need to address together.”
For attendees like Ahmyra Ephraim, who has personally experienced homelessness, the event offered a chance to reflect and connect. “I’ve been homeless, living in the car with my three children. To see the community come together and share warmth – it’s really heartwarming,” Ephraim said.
State leaders also participated, pledging to push for systemic change. De’Keither Stamps, Mississippi Public Service Commissioner for the Central District, highlighted concerns about the flow of homelessness into Jackson:
“We’ve got stories of cities like Shreveport, Birmingham, Memphis and New Orleans dropping their homeless off in Jackson,” said Stamps. He vowed to advocate for more resources and solutions at the state level.
Beyond sleeping outdoors, the event served as a hub for resources and dialogue. Volunteers worked tirelessly to distribute not only essentials like food and clothing but also access to medical care for those in need. “When other communities come out to help ours, it means people care about you. And people like to be cared about,”Ephraim expressed.
As the 10th Annual Sleep Out draws to a close, the message is clear: tackling homelessness requires a united effort. Events like this not only raise awareness but also remind everyone of the humanity behind the statistics.
“This is about more than charity – it’s about justice and fairness,” Epps said. “We can’t afford to ignore this any longer.”
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