Homeward JXN Initiative Aims to House 300 Homeless Individuals

Walt Disney once said, “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” That’s the spirit behind the launch of Downtown Jackson’s newest project, the Urban Studio. A collaborative effort with Mississippi State University’s College of Architecture, Art and Design, Jackson State University’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning; and Millsaps College’s Else School of Management, it is a working studio where high-performing students and recent graduates can immerse themselves in meaningful, real-world projects tied to downtown Jackson’s revitalization. Read more in this "Letter from Liz". ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/efM-WDxP

As organizations prepare their Community Impact Project Grant applications, we’re sharing a few past projects to show what this funding can help make possible. For Pastor Tonya Ware, Jackson Community Concrete Farmers Markets began with the overgrown lots she saw while driving around the city and a vision for how those spaces could better serve the community. With support from a CFM Community Impact Project Grant and other partners, that vision became a series of markets offering fresh produce to Jackson families at a pivotal time. CFM also used what Tonya calls its “resource brain” to connect the project with additional funding from the Walton Family Foundation, helping provide water at the markets. Over several months, Jackson Community Concrete Farmers Markets distributed more than 5,000 pounds of fresh produce and hundreds of cases of water. This is one example of a community-focused project supported through a Community Impact Project Grant. As you consider your own application, think about the need your project will address, the people it will bring together and what meaningful change it could create. Applications are open through September 1 at formississippi.org/grants.

"A region cannot succeed with a hole in its heart." That's how M|B|P partner Josh McManus framed the stakes when he took the stage at the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership annual meeting this spring to share the results of Jackson Rising. For five decades, Jackson, Mississippi has lost population – straining services, infrastructure, housing and opportunity. Most cities facing that trend get studies. Jackson built a coalition. In just a few months, Jackson Rising convened 300+ leaders, residents and institutions and produced 50+ investable public-private ideas – spanning housing, infrastructure, safety, public space and economic opportunity. Not a white paper. A menu the whole region can act on. M|B|P was privileged to serve on the team behind the process. The work now belongs to the remarkable coalition that built it. Deep gratitude to Mayor John Horhn and the City of Jackson, Tree Urban Design Studio (Travis Crabtree, PLA and Ansley Crabtree), the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Great City Mississippi Foundation, Community Foundation for Mississippi, Nancy and Ray Neilsen, Trustmark Bank, and every committee chair, sponsor, participant and community member who engaged in this herculean effort. Now the work begins – please reach out if you’d like to get involved. Local press coverage and the full Jackson Rising menu of ideas in the comments. (photo credit: Ansley Crabtree)

Good things often begin with a good idea and a little help bringing it to life. Applications open August 1 for CFM’s 2026 Community Impact Project Grants, offering up to $5,000 for projects that make communities across central and southwest Mississippi stronger, more welcoming and more connected. Funding is available in three focus areas: - Placemaking for projects that bring new life to public spaces - Children and Families for ideas that help young people and families thrive - Community Partnerships for efforts that bring people and organizations together around positive change Eligible applicants include 501c3 nonprofit organizations, groups working with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor and governmental entities located within CFM’s 22-county service area. Applications are due September 1 at 11:59 p.m. These grants are made possible by people who give to CFM’s Community Trust Fund and choose to invest alongside others in good ideas across Mississippi. See eligibility requirements, selection criteria and examples of previously funded projects at formississippi.org/grants.

MDA is launching the Workforce Housing Program, making $12 million available to support new, affordable single-family housing in Mississippi communities impacted by the 2023 and 2024 tornadoes and straight-line winds. The program is designed to support continued recovery in areas where new jobs are expected to increase the need for modern, affordable housing. Applications are now open to eligible for-profit and nonprofit, non-governmental organizations. Applications are due by 5 p.m. CDT on November 30, 2026. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/ejUG4pt6

What does it take to build a great downtown? It doesn’t happen by accident. It takes people who are paying attention. Looking at what works in other cities. Spotting opportunities. Trying new ideas. And sweating the details—from public art and planters to events, public spaces, economic development and the experience of everyone who lives, works and visits downtown. In her latest op-ed, DJP President Liz Brister shares what she brought home from attending International Downtown Association conferences, where downtown leaders gather from around the world and she makes the case for why a strong downtown matters. Read “Great Downtowns Don’t Happen by Accident” and see what we’re learning from cities around the world—and putting to work right here in Downtown JXN. ⬇️ #DowntownJackson #DowntownJXN #JacksonMS #UrbanRevitalization #DowntownDevelopment #BID #JacksonIsRising https://lnkd.in/eucpJkr8

A vacant school in Jackson, Mississippi is being reimagined as something powerful: a community hub. Last week, our grantees OneVoiceMS welcomed more than 150 neighbors, local officials and partners into the South Jackson Resilience Hub & Opportunity Center (SJROC) for its first open house. The former Marshall Elementary School campus will offer emergency shelter for up to 15 families/200 individuals, free and low-cost care through the Community Healthcare Access Clinic, workforce training programs, office space for small businesses and nonprofits, storage for emergency supplies, and walking trails and community gardens. As One Voice Executive Director Nsombi Lambright describes it, "since Hurricane Katrina, 21 years ago, Mississippi has endured crisis after crisis. The SJROC is here to not only serve families during crisis, but to be a place where children can go to dance, sing, draw, and simply be allowed to experience the joy and freedom of childhood."

This is one of the many ways we are working to revitalize Downtown Jackson and change the narrative around our capitol city. Using a "housing first” model, where managers prioritize placing people into long-term housing then work to shut down encampments, Clutch has worked in other cities. We're working with the City and others to bring Clutch here.

Faulty water meters and inaccurate billing have left many Jackson, Mississippi, residents struggling to pay their monthly water bill, which can reach massive levels. Rita Brent and Brad Franklin founded Operation Zero Out: Jackson to help give residents relief by paying overdue bills. https://lnkd.in/gJFkYjqR

On Thursday, Aug. 5, Downtown Jackson Partners and the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi will officially dedicate Downtown Jackson's newest public art installation, the Alley Gallery. Downtown business improvement districts are often associated with economic development, business recruitment and attracting new investment. Those are certainly important parts of our work. But a thriving downtown is built by serving all of its stakeholders—property owners and investors, employees, residents and visitors. That means creating a downtown that is not only economically strong, but also safe, clean, beautiful and memorable. Public art plays an important role in that mission. It transforms overlooked spaces into destinations, celebrates our shared history, encourages people to explore on foot and creates experiences that strengthen a sense of place. The Alley Gallery, located beside the historic Allin House at 118 N. Congress St., was created by acclaimed Mississippi muralist Andrea Kostyal. The mural illustrates significant milestones in American, Mississippi and Episcopal history. Painted on the wall of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi's headquarters, the artwork chronicles the Diocese's 200-year history in our state, its contributions to Mississippi and its ministry among both white and Black Mississippians. As part of Downtown Jackson's Alley Gallery initiative, this installation turns an alley into an outdoor gallery, activates a previously unused space, and provides a visual history lesson. It also demonstrates how thoughtful placemaking can enrich the experience of everyone who lives, works and visits downtown. #DowntownJackson #JacksonMS