City of Vicksburg forms Task Force to address Homelessness

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — In response to growing concerns about homelessness in the city, Mayor George Flaggs, Jr. has announced the formation of the Vicksburg Homeless Solutions Task Force, a coordinated city-led initiative to assess and address homelessness within the community.

“Homelessness is a real issue here in Vicksburg, and it’s one we must approach with both compassion and a clear plan of action,” said Mayor Flaggs. “We’ve seen an increase in individuals experiencing homelessness in key areas like the Outlet Mall, Walmart, and along Washington Street. This task force will help us better understand the issue, identify solutions, and take meaningful steps toward improving the lives of those affected.”

The newly formed task force will focus on four primary objectives:

• Evaluating the current state of homelessness in Vicksburg
• Identifying a building that the City can lease to provide temporary shelter and resources
• Developing strategies to address homelessness in specific hotspot areas
• Recommending realistic, sustainable solutions in time for the City’s annual Budget Hearings,
  which begin in August

The Vicksburg Homeless Solutions Task Force will be chaired by Chief of Police Penny Jones, with Mike
Bryant, Vicksburg Police Training and Media Coordinator serving as Co-Chair. Additional members
include:

• Doug Whittington, Director of Finance and Accounting
• Jeff Richardson, Director of Community Development
• Carla Sullivan, Human Resources Director
• Nancy Allen, Grants Administrator
• Lee Davis Thames, Jr., City Attorney

The task force will begin meeting immediately and work over the coming months to develop a
comprehensive approach that reflects the City’s values of safety, dignity, and opportunity for all.

“Vicksburg is a city that cares,” Mayor Flaggs added. “By bringing the right people to the table, we can
create real solutions that not only support our homeless population but also improve the overall wellbeing of our community.”

For More Information please contact Mayor George Flaggs, Jr. 601-942-0492