Blight to Bright: Voices of Calvary Ministries expands housing support

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Voices of Calvary Ministries, in partnership with the City of Vicksburg Housing Department, is making strides in not only supporting first-time homebuyers, but also is addressing housing needs in the community.

Since January 2025, Voices of Calvary Ministries has hosted multiple Housing and Work Seminars, including one in Vicksburg on Jan. 18 with 32 attendees, and three down payment assistance workshops in Jackson, held on Jan. 25, Feb. 8, and March 29, with 16 interested Vicksburg first time home-owners in attendance. The workshops helps prepare and qualify first-time homebuyers for up to $25,000 in federal down payment assistance. The organization is also planning another event June 28, 2025, at the Vicksburg Public Library from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Twelve potential first-time homebuyers were interviewed on March 18, and one participant was placed in the Self-Help Program. As a result of Voices of Calvary Ministries’ efforts, four individuals have already been approved for home purchases—two closings are scheduled this week, while the other two have received prequalification letters. Approximately 33 additional buyers are actively working through the purchase process.

The organization is also assisting the city in identifying abandoned lots for a proposed Blight Elimination Program and continues to offer support for homeless and at-risk residents, including rental and utility assistance.

In addition, Voices of Calvary Ministries has completed three home repairs for elderly or disabled residents through the 2025 Special Needs Assistance Program, with five more scheduled, totaling $62,000. Nine homeowners are set to receive new roofs this year under the 2025 Fortified Roofing Program, totaling $135,000.

The organization is pursuing a $750,000 grant through the Mississippi Development Authority to further support Vicksburg’s housing efforts and plans to host another Home/Work Seminar at the Vicksburg Public Library on June 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

A final home completion through a partnership with the NAACP will close out the City of Vicksburg’s memorandum of understanding with the organization.

“Mrs. Carolyn Harrison with the City of Vicksburg Housing Department and Sandra Thompson with Voices of Calvary have worked diligently on the city’s housing and blight issue,” said Alderman T.J. Mayfield. “Although progress may seem slow, I am confident that we are making steps in the right direction.”

Voice of Calvary Ministries (VOCM) was founded in 1975 by Dr. John M. Perkins, to address issues of poverty, injustice and racism in Jackson, MS. Since then VOCM has grown to be a multifaceted organization that assists people across the state.