Circles of Compassion

A nonprofit organization started by Dr. Raymond Barranco

Help Columbus-Lowndes

Help Columbus-Lowndes is a collaborative network of nonprofits, businesses, and community members dedicated to serving the Columbus-Lowndes, Mississippi area. Our mission is to empower residents and strengthen the community by streamlining access to resources, information, and support services—creating a more efficient and coordinated response to local needs. [Click here to learn about how you can support our mission]

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Below, click on the type of assistance you need to find out which organizations can help.

Jobs
WIN Job Center

Local Jobs – updated 12/10/25
Z-Jobs as of 12_10_25Download
Rent/Mortgage
St. Vincent de Paul (Columbus, MS)
  • https://www.annunciationcatholicchurch.com/ministries-copy
  • Takes applications 8am every Thursday at the Annunciation Catholic Church Activity Center (823 College St. – side door)
  • Those needing help should arrive by 6:30am to get in line as only 8 neighbors are helped each week.
  • Helps with: medical, utility, rent bills, and dental bills; pet care; car repair; furniture and other household items
  • REQUIRED: (1) Photo ID and (2) copy of bill or lease agreement
Helping Hands
Prairie Opportunity
  • https://prairieopp.dudaone.com/
  • 501 Hwy 12 Starkville, MS 39759
  • Monday through Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
  • 1-888-397-5550
  • Provides food (W/Th), rent/utilities assistance, hygiene items, fans (summer), blankets (winter), diapers, medical/dental assistance.
  • REQUIRED: ID, Social Security Card (all household members), Birth Certificate (all household members), proof of income (SSI, W2, Unemployment, etc.), proof of residence, all bills from previous 30 days
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas)
St. Vincent de Paul (Columbus, MS)
  • https://www.annunciationcatholicchurch.com/ministries-copy
  • Takes applications 8am every Thursday at the Annunciation Catholic Church Activity Center (823 College St. – side door)
  • Those needing help should arrive by 6:30am to get in line as only 8 neighbors are helped each week.
  • Helps with: medical, utility, rent bills, and dental bills; pet care; car repair; furniture and other household items
  • REQUIRED: (1) Photo ID and (2) copy of bill or lease agreement
Helping Hands
Salvation Army
Prairie Opportunity
  • https://prairieopp.dudaone.com/
  • 501 Hwy 12 Starkville, MS 39759
  • Monday through Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
  • 1-888-397-5550
  • Provides food (W/Th), rent/utilities assistance, hygiene items, fans (summer), blankets (winter), diapers, medical/dental assistance.
  • REQUIRED: ID, Social Security Card (all household members), Birth Certificate (all household members), proof of income (SSI, W2, Unemployment, etc.), proof of residence, all bills from previous 30 days
Housing
Rapid Rehousing
  • https://www.muteh.org/permanent-supportive-housing
  • Monday – Thursday: 8:00am-9:30am
  • 662-295-0453
  • Areas served: Columbus, West Point, and Starkville
  • Helps find housing for: (1) the currently homeless, (2) people living in a shelter, and (3) those who are about to become homeless [must have eviction notice].
  • Must be MS resident for past 60 days. For other requires, check eligibility here: https://msbos.org/assist/
  • Required: (1) Photo ID, (2) Proof of income, and (3) eviction notice [if applicable].
GTR Homeless Coalition
  • https://www.facebook.com/gtrhc/
  • 662-549-2643
  • gtrhc2014@gmail.com
  • Provides: (1) temporary emergency shelter, (2) food for residents in temporary shelter, and (3) help finding permanent housing
Families with School-Age Children
  • For families living in Lowndes County: If you’re worried your housing situation will affect where your child goes to school, please contact Christina Shumpert.
  • 662-244-5062
  • 3419 New Hope Road
  • christina.shumpert@lowndes.k12.ms.us
Columbus Housing Authority
  • http://www.chauthority.org/clients.aspx
  • 662-328-4236
  • colhou@chauthority.org
  • Fill out the application found at the website listed above. Applications are accepted on the 3rd Wednesday of each month between 9:00am-11:00am, 1:30p-3:00p.
Clothing
Salvation Army
Junior Auxiliary
  • Provides uniforms for Columbus Municipal School District students. Need referral from school counselor.
  • REQUIRED: Referral from school counselor

Food
Loaves and Fishes
Helping Hands
  • https://www.facebook.com/Helping-Hands-of-Columbus-MS-100071988475446/?wtsid=rdr_0365UAxbmerXj8rlh
  • 223 22nd Street N Columbus, MS
  • Monday through Thursday 8:30am-12:30pm
  • Serves Lowndes County Residents
  • Provides food (W/Th at 9am), rent/utilities assistance, hygiene items, fans (summer), blankets (winter), diapers, medical/dental assistance.
  • REQUIRED: (1) Photo ID, (2) Social Security card, (3) current lease/utility bill [if applicable]
  • Food not available to those who receive $400 per month in SNAP.
First Assembly of God Church
Salvation Army
State Line Baptist Church
Food Bank Boxes Around Columbus, MS
Food Bank Boxes in Columbus as of August 17, 2025Download
Furniture
St. Vincent de Paul (Columbus, MS)
  • https://www.annunciationcatholicchurch.com/ministries-copy
  • Takes applications 8am every Thursday at the Annunciation Catholic Church Activity Center (823 College St. – side door)
  • Those needing help should arrive by 6:30am to get in line as only 8 neighbors are helped each week.
  • Helps with: medical, utility, rent bills, and dental bills; pet care; car repair; furniture and other household items
  • REQUIRED: (1) Photo ID and (2) copy of bill or lease agreement
Salvation Army
Dream Center of Columbus
Medical/Dental
Good Samaritan Clinic
  • https://www.goodsamaritanmedicalclinic.com/
  • 520 College Street
  • 662-244-0044
  • goodsamaritanofcolumbus@gmail.com
  • Serves residents of Lowndes, Clay, Noxubee, and Pickens (AL) Counties
  • Monday-Thursday: 9:00am – 4:30pm, Friday: 9:00am – 12:00pm
  • Required: (1) Picture ID and (2) all current prescriptions
Helping Hands
St. Vincent de Paul (Columbus, MS)
  • https://www.annunciationcatholicchurch.com/ministries-copy
  • Takes applications 8am every Thursday at the Annunciation Catholic Church Activity Center (823 College St. – side door)
  • Those needing help should arrive by 6:30am to get in line as only 8 neighbors are helped each week.
  • Helps with: medical, utility, rent bills, and dental bills; pet care; car repair; furniture and other household items
  • REQUIRED: (1) Photo ID and (2) copy of bill or lease agreement
Salvation Army
Tree of Life Clinic (Tupelo)
Mental Health
Community Counseling Services
  • https://www.ccsms.org/
  • 1001 Main Street
  • Helps with all mental health needs
  • REQUIRED: (1) ID, (2) proof of household income, (3) Social Security card, (4) insurance cards, (5) proof of residence, (6) list of current medications, (7) if under 18: birth certificate
  • **St. Vincent de Paul can help with intake fees**
Contact Helpline
  • 662-328-0200
  • Provides emotional support, education, assistance, and intervention, when needed, to all people in crisis.

Substance Abuse
Pines and Cady Hill
  • https://www.pachrecovery.org/
  • 662-327-7916
  • 1011 Main St., Columbus, MS 39701
  • Services provided: (1) alcohol and drug treatment and (2) aftercare groups for those who want to stay connected with others in recovery.
Legal Help
North MS Rural Legal Services
  • https://nmrls.com/
  • 1-800-498-1804
  • Monday-Thursday 9:30am-3:30pm
  • Helps with legal issues regarding: (1) heirs’ property, (2) first time home buyers, (3) benefits enrollment, (4) house foreclosure, (5) victim services, (6) taxpayer assistance, (7) disaster relief, and (8) all legal issues for people 60 and over.
Pregnancy
Life Choices Pregnancy Center
  • https://mslifechoices.org/
  • 1124 Main Street
  • 662-327-0500
  • Monday-Thursday 10:00am-4:00pm
  • Helps with: (1) pregnancy tests/ultrasounds, (2) parenting classes, (3) counseling, (4) car seats/baby beds, (5) abortion pill reversal, and (6) other pregnancy and newborn-related needs.
Car Repairs
St. Vincent de Paul (Columbus, MS)
  • https://www.annunciationcatholicchurch.com/ministries-copy
  • Takes applications 8am every Thursday at the Annunciation Catholic Church Activity Center (823 College St. – side door)
  • Those needing help should arrive by 6:30am to get in line as only 8 neighbors are helped each week.
  • Helps with: medical, utility, rent bills, and dental bills; pet care; car repair; furniture and other household items
  • REQUIRED: (1) Photo ID and (2) copy of bill or lease agreement
Re-Entry
Paroled2Pride
  • https://www.paroled2pride.org/services
  • 662-570-3432
  • Helps with all issues regarding reentry including: (1) life skills, (2) job readiness, (3) academic support, (4) intervention, (5) job training, (6) transportation, (7) business training, (8) financial management, and (9) relapse prevention.
Government Assistance Programs
Cell Phone (Lifeline Program)
  • https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
  • You are eligible for a free or reduced phone if you already receive SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or your yearly household income is below:
    • $21,128 (1 person)
    • $28,553 (2 people)
    • $35,978 (3 people)
    • $43,403 (4 people)
    • $50,828 (5 people)
    • Add $7,425 for each additional person in the household.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program
  • You are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if you work for low wages, are unemployed or work part-time, are elderly/disabled and live on a small income, or already receive TANF, SSI, or other assistance payments.
  • To be eligible, your monthly household income (after taxes) must be below:
    • $1,255 (1 person)
    • $1,704 (2 people)
    • $2,152 (3 people)
    • $2,600 (4 people)
    • $3,049 (5 people)
    • Add $449 for each additional person in the household.
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
  • https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/help/tanf/
  • You are eligible for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF) if you have at least one child under the age of 18 living at home and your monthly household income is below:
    • $627 (1 person)
    • $851 (2 people)
    • $1074 (3 people)
    • $1298 (4 people)
    • Add $224 for each additional person in the household.

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