Jackson Jambalaya

Oxford House is not going away, it is here to stay. People living near these houses need to come to the conclusion that they live in a chithole. It is their own fault, Jackson did not become "seedy" overnight.

Looks to me as if the senator is doing his job. But, the Anti-Longwitz knuckle-draggers will come up with something.

Oxford House has been driven out of other states like Arkansas. We can get this done here.
Thank you to Senator Longwitz and the others working on this. Keep pushing!

Wow. What a scam. They are filling beds with anyone they can find and then providing no oversight or therapy for the residents who are purportedly recovering from an addiction. It's a disservice to the residents in recovery. I agree with Longwitz. This money would be better spent on legitimate operations like McCoy house. Instead,the MDMH is utlizining government funds to line the pockets of the Stephens (who are obviously only in it for the profit) and some company in Maryland. Even worse, there was a resident on the news last night saying there is oversight and drug/alcohol testing. I guess he wasn't told that oxford house doesn't provide those services.

As a nearby neighbor of the NorthSide Oxford House, I want to thank Senator Will Longwitz for coming to our assistance. Without Will's active concern and involvement, we would not have any of the significant detail we now have on the Oxford House and how the MDMH has approached its administration of the Federal grants that ultimately resulted in the placement, without notice, of a group home so close to us in a beautiful R1 area of Jackson. Nor would we know without Will, as we now know, what some of the risks we are that we now face. We all support the goal of sober living and recovery; we are not about discrimination. The issues, as Will articulates in his thoughtful letter, are issues of notice, monitoring, crowding, and means of recruitment for the homes as well as associated risks.

@10:58 AM - Close the window before you let the air out of your bubble. Just remember their are no legal or economic barriers to prevent OH from entering your sanctimonious community either...

This is the biggest scam. If all in power are not trying to stop this, I want to know why.

Am I reading this correctly? The way MDMH "monitors" the various OHs is by outsourcing "monitoring" out to the OH mothership in Maryland? That sound about as effective as Shuler Smith's kid gloving of habitual offenders in Hinds County.

KF, Senator Longwitz produced even more damning evidence today.

Uhh @12:00, there may be no legal barriers, but there is an economic barrier that protects many of us: high property values. This OH plague may show up in my city, but it won't show up in my neighborhood because substance-abuse slumlords like the Stephens can't make a profit on their scheme, I mean "ministry," where (or near where) many of us live. It's simple math. Sadly, Jackson's nicer homes are generally surrounded by low-rent blighted neighborhoods that are ripe for exploitation by the Stephens and their ilk.

http://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/2015/05/04/jesus-reject-oxford-house-letter/26889981/

I'm just say'in.

@10:58 most of us would rather live in what you describe as a "chithole" than some ticky tacky bullshit in Madison.

I think all of us proud chithole residents should combine our resources to start opening Oxford Houses in Madison. Try to stop us. You can't.

The phone number in the fraudulent application, 601-942-0006, is NEAL STEPHENS personal phone.

The mailing address in the fraudulent application, P.O. Box 13957, Jackson, MS 39236 is the same address used by DORE.

Hey 10:58 and 1:05! This is not a Madison vs. Northeast Jackson thing. I live in Madison and have friends and relatives in Northeast Jackson. Everyone chooses to where they live for a reason. Look around, there are beautiful homes in both cities. Stop being ridiculous!

1:05 Yes, Jesus would reject Oxford House, if he knew what a scam it is.

1:05 - yes we can!! Madison has an ordinance requiring all rental houses to have a permit among other things. Mary isn't about to allow OH into her town.

One more comment on this situation if I may:
I do not expect my Jackson neighborhood to be antiseptic; if my religion teaches me anything, it is that a search for an antiseptic life is a fool's errand (and would be as well in Madison where I lived for a year). When, though, I think of the lovely children who live within eyeshot of the Northside OH, I feel that there are risks here that are unacceptable.

It is precisely because neither Oxford House Inc. nor MDMH even acknowledge, much less actively manage, the risks to the most vulnerable among us that I am convinced MDMH and the State of Mississippi must part ways with Oxford House Inc.

Read the letter in the CL.

My passport is current. Might have to go to Okinawa and get some Japanese steel.

Oxford House will set up shop in Madison County. Plenty of ex-con's up in Canton that need this ministry.

1:05:

I'm not going to call you childish, but your bottom lip is poking out--

There is no ordinance or zoning law that could stop OH entering Madison, 1:49.
The only thing that can stop OH is to stop their flow of income from the federal grant, and that is this no-bid relationship between them and MDMH.

I live on the Coast and have heard of no problems with any Oxford Houses down here, and that letter above states there are houses down here. Why don't you whiners in central MS handle your business and stop your cry-baby crap, grow-up. The rest of the state laughs at your ignorance. Got a problem, handle it and stop acting like a bunch of idiots.

@1:21 PM, Mailing address is the same used by NeuEdge, LLC which is the umbrella Father and Son Stephens employ to front their DORE quack science scam.

DORE has no basis in scientific fact and is the exact same hustle Neal has used to hoodwink many school districts in Mississippi to fork over tens of thousands annually in public school tax dollars for DORE "site licenses".

Kingfish it would be public record to reveal how much in public education dollars the following school districts are misusing to pay for their annual DORE site licenses:

Brookhaven Public School District
Forest Municipal School District
Houston Public School District
Jefferson County School District
Meridian Public School District
Montgomery County School District
Neshoba County School District
Newton County School District
Starkville Public School District
Vicksburg Warren School District
Winona Public School District

May 6, 2015 at 3:33 PM = Loyal Coastal MS Reader of Central Mississippi based, but Statewide Jackson Jambalaya!

Somewhere Al Gore is shaking his head and thinking "those scammers in Mississippi really know how to do a hustle. And I thought carbon credits were the bomb."

"@10:58 most of us would rather live in what you describe as a "chithole" than some ticky tacky bullshit in Madison."

"I think all of us proud chithole residents should combine our resources to start opening Oxford Houses in Madison. Try to stop us. You can't."

What in my post makes you think I live in Madison?

3:33-it looks like many people, including Senator Longwitz, are well into the process of handling the problem. I am guessing you don't live near one of these houses since you didn't even know they existed on the Coast. Do your homework, this is not the proper way to implement sober living homes. These house are nothing but cash cows for oxford house and folks like the Stephens.

Youtube

Mississippi's Union Public School District Embraces the Innovative Dore Program

"Oxford House is not going away, it is here to stay. People living near these houses need to come to the conclusion that they live in a chithole. It is their own fault, Jackson did not become "seedy" overnight."
May 6, 2015 at 10:58 AM

I don't think you understand (assuming you are a real person, and not a Stephens/Fiser/Oxford House SHILL).

The people in that neighborhood are among the ones who worked hard, to make Jackson a great place to live. Just doing a Google image search of those streets will SHOW you that these people have continually invested in their homes, as well as investing countless hours of their own sweat and effort, in upgrading and maintaining the plantings around their homes.

These are people who volunteer to build Habitat houses, who volunteer at Church and Temple, to help others in Jackson. These are the women who mentor at-risk teenage girls. These are the people who volunteer to teach in adult literacy programs.

When the current crop of residents began moving into that area, those were uninspired little Sixties spec houses - as close to minimum standards as the builders could go. You cannot imagine the pride that people had, in making those drab little houses special. They carefully chose nice paint colors. They combed magazines like Southern Living, for ideas, to make those tired little boxes into beautiful homes. And they succeeded.

These are not wealthy people, like those a few blocks over, in Eastover. But they are educated, cultivated people, who have worked hard to be who they are, and who have worked hard to create a really wonderful enclave. On the Human Development Index, these people score just as highly as do those in nice neighborhoods on Long Island and in Connecticut. They're smart. They're nice. And in school, they studied, while others partied. As adults, they've led prudent, productive, HONEST lives.

Maybe the price tags on the houses are not astronomical. But it is a lovely neighborhood, filled with lovely people. The rich cheaters and crooks, and the trophy wives who conveniently "realized they were in love with" surgeons, live elsewhere.

But now, thanks to a little group of people whose narcissism and avarice have stripped them of any true motive but GREED, the residents of that neighborhood are threatened with having everything they've worked do build STOLEN.

Locating an Oxford House in that location is a form of THEFT. It steals the value of the surrounding homes, as well as the peace and security once enjoyed by the residents. It steals from the very people who have worked hardest, to make things better.

What have any of theses residents done pray tell that has you shaking in your boots so bad. OH has been in Jackson over a year and a half and there has not been one single complaint. This is all about money. The rich folks not wanting to be around a real human being. Senator Longwitz is just getting his campaign funded by all you nasty people. The people living in OH houses are good people who work hard and pay their own expenses. Why don't you actually give their side of this story and let everyone know how OH has changed their lives. At least half of the points in Sen. Longwitz letters are completely false. At what point is a recovering addict ok to be treated like a human being again. Oh wait, never if it means being near someone in NEJackson. And here is Mississippi investing in something that actually has an 86% success rate and the rich want to shut it down. Senator states that Mississippi can do better. How Mr Longwitz. What shall the people in OH do? Stay in an even more expensive state run rehab facility the rest of their lives?

Where is the cash cow part? The people who rent these houses get market price. 1,200 per month you people just spout all these lies with no actual idea what is happening. The government gives each house 4,000 to start up. Where is the cash cow in that? That money is even paid back by each house. Your just angry because you think you're to good to be near someone in recovery. People in recovery just want to live. The people in these houses are not savages who want whats yours. They want Pease to earn what's theirs.

3:13 - go to Madisonthecity.com, click on Buildings and Permits. The FAQ's clearly state that each rental unit must have a permit, among other things.

OH has been in Jackson over a year and a half and there has not been one single complaint.

How do you know?

At least half of the points in Sen. Longwitz letters are completely false.

Which points? Prove it.

1,200 per month you people just spout all these lies with no actual idea what is happening.

For 2230 E. Northside it is $1625 monthly. You have "no actual idea what is happening".

Maybe Anna can officially supervise the housemates now that she will have plenty of time on her hands since she was let go from JA. Also, wonder if the rent rate might go up to make up for her lost JA salary.
Inquiring minds want to know…

I have lived in an OH for a year. That's how I know. I don't live in NEJackson so the rent is less here. Facts:We are required to go to meetings. We are subject to random drug and alcohol tests. Jackson OH has never actually been in a jail to help someone. Sex offenders are not allowed in OH. NO drugs or alcohol use is done or permitted in an OH. Residents are required to obtain a job within two weeks. Residents pay their own expenses other than house hold expenses. House hold expenses cover rent to landlord, utilities, phone, cable, internet, laundry detergent, paper towels, toilet paper, coffee, and other normal expenses. We have curfews. We have household responsibilities. You will never come into our home and find it anything but perfectly clean. Our yards are kept up. These are all facts. There are xray tech's, nurses, veterans etc..in these houses just trying to get their lives back.

6:50, You offer no proof of anything you say, and in fact the majority of what you say is directly AGAINST what Oxford House writes in their own reports.
Sex Offenders ARE allowed in OH.
Curfews are NOT enforced. I know this from the people who live around the house on Northside Drive.
There are NO random drug and alcohol tests. Oxford House says this.
There is NO enforcement of anything!
There is NO requirement to attend AA or NA meetings.
OH recruiters are in jails every week. Look at the written reports.
You have 7 grown men in a 3 bedroom house. Where is the 7th one sleeping, the kitchen?
If you want to talk about the things Oxford House is doing that ARE the truth, please do so. But don't lie like this.

6:50; Please explain in detail how you manage to 'obtain jobs within two weeks'. And if you do not, then what? Two more weeks? Another month?

6:50 --- Thank you Lori Hotzclaw -- OH Regional Director. We recognize the OH mantra. More importantly -- we could refute all the facts you outline above -- just by review of the OH website. Meetings (sitting in the living room talking and watching the television is not a meeting). Random Drug and Alcohol Test (Not in your reports you have submitted -- show us one test), Sex Offenders -- they are in OH houses --- it's on the OH website. You may not have been into jails yet, but the badging process is beginning - just read your own reports submitted to MDMH. If you don't have a job, I guess there are "loans" you can receive--- appears that $4k seed money is also divided between the tenants so you don't have to have a job to live in one initially. Curfews -- yea whatever -- who's checking???? It's unsupervised, with no one in charge. Might want to talk to your Forest Park boys, since numerous complaints have been made about cleaning up that property, not parking cars in the front yard, etc. Lori -------- you have met your match. Send that message to Mr. Molloy. His arrogance is coming home to roost -- you chose the wrong state to do battle. You got whipped in Arkansas and you're going to have the same battle in Mississippi. We're not making this about zoning violations, which you love to use against neighborhoods......we're going to the root of your corruption -- Washington, DC, the National Institute of Health Funding you are receiving, and the money making scam you have created and perpetuated since 1975. You chose poorly when you chose NE Jackson.

6:50 - Hey OH - Sounds like you are paddling hard trying to keep the OH head above water. You are drowning in your own reports that have been released by MDMH. Lori Holtzclaw Regional Director made no secret about her activities during the last year ..."Re-entry
along the coast is starting to trickle, we are working hard to get
into the local jails."

keep the money flowing into OH - recruit ANYWHERE we can find an addict to keep our scam going.

6:50pm, your comments amount to nothing more than a pipe dream, no pun intended. Take a picture of your oxford house, it will last longer.

MDMH is the most dysfunctional agency in our state. Nothing but a bunch of self-important asshats running that sh*#show.

Still waiting 5:21PM+6:50 PM to see you refute "at least half" of Senator Longwitz's specific points.

I truly see why this site says jackassery in its title.

I suppose living it isn't proof enough for you all. We do have traditions and we do have rules. Come by and ask for a copy. We are not children that need constant supervision. Most have been in treatment and just need a chance. And I said in Jackson no one has been in the jails. There are other houses around the state you know. But I am supposed to assume people from jail don't deserve a chance at life. Even if you are successful at stopping state money from assisting us it won't close the houses.

You are correct in that we don't have constant supervision. We are a self governing home. Taking responsibility for our actions. Oh wow we are living life.

I truly see why this site says jackassery in its title.

Banal.

There are 17 registered sex offenders living within 2 miles of the Oxford House on Northside Drive. Who knows how many drunks and drug addicts live close by, not to mention those in their own private recovery? Like the good Senator says in his indignant letter, there are 15 Oxford Houses in Mississippi, and they didn't spring up overnight. Doesn't anyone find it curious that no one in the legislature gave a hoot about this until it was an election year? And don't say it was because they kept it such a secret. If they're as problematic as Longwitz says they couldn't have operated without someone finding out, so that alone is proof that there haven't been any problems. You poor saps don't understand that this is being used to dupe you into voting for someone who couldn't care less about your property values or the safety of your neighborhood. Sad...

"Self Governing" works just fine for three hour periods of time during "breakout sessions" or other occasions when "work groups" split off and one group goes out to the oak tree and another gathers under the portico.

However, after that, reality kicks back in and the exercise is OVER and the rules should require that all assemble back in the main room for a headcount, snacks and note taking.

So, apparently this outfit is connected with another shake oil salesman, Joe Stephens of Magee. He owns the DORE program in Mississippi. If Joe is associated with OH, it's nothing more than another way to suck off the public tit like he has done all his "professional" career.

8:45, there are plenty of us - yes, even in the neighborhood - who are pulling for you. Recovery is tough, and it has to be tougher knowing you have so many heartless people who live nearby, but many of your neighbors hope you and your roommates will make it.

8:45 -- There are a lot of other REPUTABLE options around the state and in Jackson. You all remind me of a cult -- and this Mollloy character, founder and head of OH, is the cult leader. Arrogant, self absorbed, and this is his legacy. Sad but I hate to tell you --- once he stops receiving Federal funds -- he'll be on his boat to the Bahamas. You devotees will be left holding the bag. I have to commend him however, he has figured out a way to milk the federal funding for decades. I'm sure he's worth a bundle. You might want to get some sleep so you can continue to copy those same monthly reports you keep sending into MDMH. I'm glad to know our grant money is supporting your one person battle tonight -- I guess this is "outreach".

Longwitz is awful, but that doesn't mean he's wrong about this.

9:43 -- it appears you are responding to yourself at 8:45. Great sleight of hand, however, we're on to you. If you live in the neighborhood -- provide us with your address. We always find it humorous when you OH people bring in all the buzz words.......heartless, racist, bigot, intolerant, un-Christian......guess what -- NO EFFECT. Sorry -- it isn't working. Might want to figure out another line of attack. We're from Mississippi -- we've heard it all for a LONG time, and it just doesn't matter any more. Your words have NO meaning. Sad because they should have meaning, but the abuse and over use in the past decades has just made them ineffective.

This just in from the Northside Sun....we have just discovered that Oxford House receives state funding!! Please read us. We're relevant...We're relevant!!!!

Watch him pull a CJ if the wind starts blowing the other way...

Longwitz is awful AND wrong about this. He only cares about the campaign contributions of the few attorneys who live in this neighborhood and are against this home. Now the 5 hateful attorneys and 5 lonely housewives can start posting below saying how much a hero he is. Go ahead. EVERYONE knows this has nothing to do with MDMH, oversight, seed money, or any of that crap. This is about one thing-NIMB (Not In My Backyard). The few attorneys and housewives miss the good ole days where they could pick their neighbors, burn crosses in people's front yards, drink from their own water fountains...you get the point. Ok you 10, start posting below....

And I said in Jackson no one has been in the jails.

How do you know?

I suppose living it isn't proof enough for you all. We do have traditions and we do have rules. Come by and ask for a copy.

Share the Jackson OH in which you are recovering and I will come over there tomorrow for a copy of the rules. I'll pay for all the copying costs.

@5.06. Excellent post.

To anyone hating on the Sen. Longwitz who I do not know - really? There are throngs of us who are so grateful that someone is trying to protect our neighborhoods and our quality of life.

If anyone things renting homes in sweet, established middle class neighborhoods to what even OH admits is an 80% previously incarcerated group of unrelated adults with virtually NO support system and no accountability is a good idea - thing about it - Really?

OH is desperate enough (read the reports THEY sent to MDH)to keep stating that they are "trying to get into jails" to get more residents, um, isn't that a reflection that the program isn't a great success? And their reports show how many leave. According to OH, if you leave "voluntarily" it's not considered a relapse. And of 58 housed in OH recently 22 left. Look at the numbers. 1/3 left - either by choice or by relapsing or who knows what is the reality. This program DOES NOT WORK. Google it, talk to people who have been in it (don't assume the people posting online are not reps for OH - meet real people). This is ludicrous.
I can move tomorrow - but don't want to. If you read all this documentation, Madison/Ridgeland/Rankin people you will see that your neighborhood could be affected. If not Bridgewater or other higher end properties, then the neighborhoods nearby. OH does NOT require public transit, they just encourage it.
This is not a Jackson vs Madison/Ridgeland vs Brandon/Flowood issue. If you are totally open to a rotating group of previously incarcerated strangers living nearby with no oversight, you do you. Everyone else better take notice real quick before the house beside you, behind you, or next to your kid's house is occupied by OH and their crew.
Note: NO ONE, I repeat NO ONE is against providing support and services to anyone trying to break free from addiction. OH is NOT doing that, they are funneling Federal tax dollars (as in your tax dollars) into programs that benefit no one but their "investors". Their words, read the reports.

10:14pm, factor out what you consider the 5 hateful attorneys (which they are anything but) and the 5 lonely housewives (you forgot to mention hot, lonely housewives that might have a drink with you if you be nice)....you still have an uber corrupt organization that is receiving YOUR funding through federal and state dollars. Not just YOURS, but those 10 people that you somehow know everything about. They have a right to complain as much as anyone else does. It sounds like the modern equivalent of cross-burning is anonymous bashing of people that you wish you could become. Don't get jealous, get on with your own life.

I remember when Kingfish used to do actual investigative reporting, instead of just regurgitating a politician's campaign stunts. And when he used to disclose his own conflicts. And when he discouraged cyber-bullying and defamation in the comments he approved. A little jackassary, sure, but nothing like the hate and outright lies he's been approving lately.

Reading these oxford house posts over the last month or so have been a disappointing episode for a former big fan of this blog.

Hello, all. My name is John W and I live in the Oxford House at 2230 East Northside. I do not speak for or represent Oxford House. I can speak only for myself and this particular home. There are four of living here. One of whom is an employee of Oxford House. He lives right across the hall from me. We are all from Jackson and Brandon with the exception of the outreach coordinator employed by Oxford House. He administers random drug tests and alcohol breathalyzer tests. We were tested before ever moving in and have been subjected to random screenings in the month we have been here. We signed contracts that we will actively work on our recovery and make 3-5 meetings a week. Most of us go twice a day. We are all deeply involved in our recovery and our spiritual life. Two of us, myself and Chris G. are service connected disabled combat veterans. I was deployed multiple times to both Iraq and Afghanistan and Chris was in Desert Storm/Desert Shield. We were both decorated and recieved honorable discharges. I was in for 12 years and he was in for 6. Neither of us are felons. We were not recruited from jails. (Nor was our other roommate.) I was referred to Oxford House after the VA failed to help to find a place to help in my recovery. There are no felons or see offenders here. We will not permit any to live here if they apply. We don't want to live in a house of strange people or criminals anymore than you want them as neighbors. We just want a nice, safe place to live in peace and quiet and work on our sobriety and spiritual growth. We want to add color and beautify and fill our bare landscape, not let it go to pot as some have suggested we will do. Many neighbors have welcomed us and even brought is food and cookies and cakes and boxes of chocolate, but a few have been downright nasty. One came over reeking of alcohol and threatened to leave liquor bottles on our porch. We've seen one man going through our garbage. One man stopped his car and said, "your kind isn't welcome here." That is very hurtful considering what I and my roommate have sacrificed for this country. We have been catergorized as felons and sex offenders and that just simply untrue. We are just four men who live together and do not drink. We provide each other 24 hour peer support. It's that simple. If you aren't disabled you have to find employment. we all pay our own rent. No one pays our way. We just want to live peacefully and prove that we can be great neighbors. We understand the stigma that comes with alcoholism and addiction. Myself and the other veteran want to make this a home for recovering veterans only. We will be conducting future interviews with other applicants and I can assure you that we will not vote in any miscreant as long as we are here. And if we suspect ANYONE has been using or drinking we will have them removed from the property so fast they won't know what hit them. Unfair judgements were made about us before we even moved in. We just ask for a chance to prove we are decent, well meaning, spiritual men and good neighbors. Again, I do not spoke for Oxford House or any of the other Homes owned by them. I'm just speaking for myself and fellow veteran resident at the East Northside home. Thank you,
John W.

10:14-I agree. Thanks for sharing the honest truth. Will wants to hide behind the truth and throw up smoke screens. Your cover is blown Will. There are many more who see the political games you are playing. It's wrong to not want people to have a better life. You are wrong!

Shills or Landlords for Oxford House alert 10:46, 11:13, 11:48.

I live at 4408 Forest Park Dr. Come on by and I'll give you a tour.

Just seeing if my comment would be rejected as it was oft of Senator Will Longwitz wall before I waste my breath responding.

Is it OK to represent that the 2230 Northside drive house is a 5 bedroom house when it is a 3 bedroom house? That lie was made on an application to receive a 4000 federal grant. The loan was approved and the money was paid. The lie was material because the grant requires that the house be suitable for 6 or more adults. They had to tell that lie because it's not allowed to squeeze 6 grown men into a 3 bedroom house and you don't qualify for the federal grant without that lie. Serious question: won't even the OH and Stephens supporters admit that's wrong and must be addressed?

Nothing-oh-nothing will hide the hatred, prejudice, & discrimination of the small minority of homeowners who are against people who are trying to get a new start in life. Not in my back yard----exactly right. The ONLY thing these men and women are missing are their white hoods and robes. Keep posting the truth! Expose them for what they truly are-unChristian neighbors. Truth!

It's been posted on multiple threads that Joe Stephens of Magee is a shyster and has made millions over the past several decades warehousing persons with various afflictions.

Take a close, critical look at that Millcreek place in Magee that has for thirty or more years sucked the public tit by incarcerating young children, juveniles and young adults. But, those kids have to be 'somewhere'. Just let's not deny that these people are in it for one reason. Money. Danger to the community be damned.

The lie was material because the grant requires that the house be suitable for 6 or more adults.

Would not be surprised that the applications for the other OHs in Mississippi have similar purposefully submitted erroneous information.

The few neighbors and senator WRONGwitz keep wanting to try to say this is over an application or some other detail. It's NOT about that guys & gals. It's about your hatred of others not in your socioeconomic class. Admit it! You bigots have been exposed like the snakes you are!!! Senator WRONGWitz is 100% wrong. I wouldn't vote for him if he was the only person running.
WRONGwitz-you have been outed!

5:20 the people who live in Oxford Houses are being taken advantage of. By Oxford House and by the landlords. Who would want to live 7 men to a 3 bedroom house? 2 grown men to a bedroom and 1 sleeping in the living room?
The people who keep repeating that any who opposes this is "un-Christian" are either Oxford House employees, DMH employees or the Land(slum)lords. There is no way any normal person could read these documents that have been produced and not be highly alarmed.

7:25, Hi Oxford House, Inc. How's the weather up in Maryland these days?

It would appear we've picked up some commenters from west Jackson.

Take Oxford House out of the equation. Remove all tax dollars. Now all you have is six guys, all with jobs, who want to recover from their addiction and are sharing expenses in a market value rent house. They have their own rules and are trying to keep each other on the path to recovery. Some may have been in jail at some point in the past - that's something that happens to addicts from time to time. They keep the yard mowed and are no trouble to the neighbors. Is that okay with you, NE Jackson?

They don't all have jobs. The actual loan app documents list several of the men as on disability or unemployed.

7:50

No, even if I take recovering addicts out of the equation. Six or seven men living in a three bedroom house are not compatible to a single family neighborhood.

That is the definition of a boarding house, not allowed under almost all zoning laws in single family neighborhoods.

7:50-are you crazy???? They couldn't possibly be good neighbors. After all, they served in the military to fight for our freedoms, they pay taxes, they support our local community... But, the NE Jackson political supporters of the one senator Don't Want Anyone Different in THEIR neighborhood! This is crazy! Nazi Germany, 1964 Mississippi Burning...y'all get the picture. This is OUR neighborhood and WE will tell you who can live here.

Life, Liberty, & the pursuit of happiness (except in this one neighborhood).

7:50 - NO! You are now running a frat/flop house with 6/7 unrelated men, all with a criminal history or drug abuse history. You are totally unsupervised. Your choices to this point in your life clearly show you need SUPERVISION. And a lot of it. The grant application you filled out (and that we now have) show you/they are not run of the mill alcoholics. They are meth dealers, heroin addicts, felons, etc. Bad behavior has consequences in life. Those of us that have followed the rules and over time built our lives REJECT your assertion that we should just let you waltz in and destroy our investments and security. We had a FIRST HAND experience 7 years ago with a "relapsed" meth head. One block away from the 2203 Northside House he beat his girlfriend to death in a drug induced frenzy. Now we have that probability X 7 back in the same neighborhood and one block away from the same neighbors that were terrorized by the beast George Bell - who played on the "I just need understanding" bulls*&t.

Will Longwitz has done himself more good in 4 weeks than most politicians do in a life time. Where is Snoozy Denny? AWOL. Where is the rest of the "leadership" like Gunn, Reeves, Snowden? MIA. Senator Longwitz did what his constituents asked him to do - represent their interest. RARE in politics. Most of the political class sit on the fence waiting for the wind to blow. And you can be assured Will has created some die hard supporters in 4 weeks that he would have never gotten without taking a stand for the people he is elected to serve. Unlike a lot of the chattering class, he will go far by just doing his job! The results speak for themselves.

Longwitz has done good for himself. He has blurred the truth and now has all the affluent people's money in his campaign fund and or pocket. Talk about a cash cow.

Typical Longwitz political ploy. Choose an emotional issue, he KNOWS he has no legitimate authority over. Gets himself on the news, voice shaking, lip quivering, a man of the people. Nothing is accomplished, his hands don't get dirty and he walks away patting himself on the back. Arrogant, self serving. Typical Longwitz.

7:50 here. The point of my post was to ask if the law abiding citizens of NE Jackson are willing to abide by the law. There is no city ordinance or other rule that says six men can't live together in a rent house. How do you stop it? Do you think the city council is going to pass a new law that restricts the number of non related adults who can live in a single family residence? Good luck with that.

8:28 -- The frenzy in your post is evident. Spend some time this morning in Maryland -- lining up your legal team and accountants. The audit is coming!! Peeling back the layers of this onion have opened up so many issues -- you're going to be responding for YEARS to questions over how you have run this corrupt cabal.

In the past, you assumed we'd all go after the "zoning fight" which you all have won repeatedly, using OUR tax dollars. It's a different game now. We've been coming to a gun fight with a knife --- now we're arming ourselves in the same way you have in the past. GAME ON!!!

In addition -- don't use that "veteran" argument. We have veterans on both sides of our family who served in every war going back to pre-Revolutionary days. None of them were meth abusers or drunks --- and you do a DISSERVICE to all those brave men and women who have served and FUNCTION well in society DAILY. These guys or gals would have been social problems with or without their military time, and I'd like to see their records, to include their DD214s, showing us any disciplinary issues, or any reduction in rank, etc. We're paying the freight on this house -- we deserve to see who is living there.

You people amaze me -- you'll use ANY argument that you think will stick to keep the gravy train going. NIMBY is about to hit you -- but you'll be screaming to get the accountants, attorneys, and government auditors out of YOUR back yard.

BTW -- Will Longwitz beware -- they're hoping they can go after you which is evident in the tone of the postings, I have been reading -- so as your supporters -- we need to be prepared IN ADVANCE --- you're becoming their target -- let us all band around Will to support him from this group of thugs and bullies. Call his office to offer support and thanks!

Denny................MIA.............and understand we'll not be MIA on the next election. I feel certain they'll be challengers after 150 years of your "service" or lack thereof. Time to exit stage left gracefully. When we needed you --- you were not there.

May 7, 2015 at 8:28 AM = RELAPSED

Agree with you 8:59 AM, where the hell is Bill Denny???

Longwitz is our man. Denny is an old coot who is scared to death of the younger man in the Senate. Give him his glass of warm milk and tell him to stay out of the better man's way.

Yes, Senator Longwitz has never been one to make decisions based on the direction of the wind. Like that time he begged to get on CJ Stewart's board, then dropped off before a meeting with homeowners, so he could lead the opposition to CJ Stewart. Or how he made ads in 2011 saying he was Tea Party and now derides the Tea Party. Or how he joined Chris McDaniel's conservative coalition in the Senate before leaving to oppose it. Last year, he opposed parents of special needs kids having choice in the education of their children. This year, he voted for a nearly identical bill and practically knocked over some of the kids to get in the photo with Governor Bryant at the signing of the bill. Yes, there is a man who never waffles and always stands on principle. Nevermind the fact that he passed ZERO bills this year. Who needs accomplishment when you can arrange endless photo ops and pander? What has the guy ever really accomplished? He's chased one government job after the other. He got Barbour to appoint him to some disaster recovery post after Katrina. He ran for county court judge after that. Went around telling people that all he ever wanted to do in life was be a county court judge. Lost that race. Within a few months, he was running for the Mississippi Senate, having apparently had an epiphany that all he really ever wanted to do was be a Mississippi Senator. In both of those races he employed dirty tactics, waiting to the last few days to send out mailers lying about his opponent. No doubt with his ambition, he will end up being another worthless Governor from the great state of Mississippi. And we wonder why we're 50th?

The people who run the Oxford House could well be bums. I don't know. What I do know is that Will's burst of activity is in no way contingent upon that. I also find it interesting that people are repeating the same lines over and over again while ignoring the post of a guy who lives at the house and who has clearly indicated that those lines are false.

I noticed our former senator Michel is supporting Will's opponent. So much for him being a leader in the community. Turns out it was good that he stepped down and made way for a true statesman.

Kingfish, please track these bastards coming in from MD. They are spamming this site.

11:30 - if you truly are who you say and what you said is all true, that is encouraging for THIS one Oxford House. As a neighbor, I hope you and your fellow veteran are successful, and I thank you for not allowing felons or sex offenders in your home, which is right down the street from my small children.

The problem is what happens when you and the other veteran leave and the next group moves in? The next group may not be as responsible as you and may have different rules regarding allowing in sex offenders and felons. They may not require random testing or meeting attendance. It could all go very badly, very quickly. Oxford House does absolutely nothing to prevent the bad from happening. It sounds like you personally are trying to keep the bad from happening, but once you are gone, then what will happen? And what if you misjudge a housemate and before you can evict him, he's harmed a neighbor in a drunken or high state of mind? These are my concerns as a neighbor and parent.

An OH is about to open tomorrow in Meridian, yes the town where the MDMH will next meet:

Oxford House Northhill
4615 North Hills Street Gender: M
Meridian, MS 39301 Total Occupancy: 6
228-249-9468 Charter: 5/8/2015

You guys quit picking on Denny; he's been at some of the important meetings. Let's keep down the politics here. This is more serious than that.

@10:40: Are you at all concerned about the 17 registered sex offenders that presently live in proximity to your home or just the potential that one might someday live in the Oxford House? I focus on the sex offenders, because we all know there are no snooty NE Jackson folks who abuse drugs or alcohol living in proximity to you.

I appreciate your concerns as a neighbor and a parent. Actually, I share those concerns. At some level, though, better for those people to be getting treatment than to be cloaked in anonymity next door.

We all talk about federal overreach. Here is a shining example of both state and federal overreach. And some of you (likely OH employees or supporters of Will's opponent) just want to criticize Will for doing a hell of a lot to expose this particular fraud.
I haven't seen Will's opponent on the record about Oxford House. Does he support OH in Northeast Jackson? If elected, he'd do exactly nothing about it. I'm sticking with Will.

11:06 - Who is Denny? OHHH that guy who is our State Rep and you can never find him? The guy who comes around to our house once every four years begging for our vote, but is AWOL the next 3 years and 11 months? This is a fight for our neighborhood and EVERYONE who is not helping us is against us. No neutral ground. He doesn't get to take a knee and sit this play out.

You are concerned about Will running for governor? Hell, I live in northeast Jackson, pal, and if this guy would do for Mississippi half of what he is doing for northeast Jackson right now, then just tell me where to sign up for his statewide campaign.

11:24 -- good try. OH is working today in their "outreach" program, blogging and spamming on this site. The real problem -- cut to the chase -- is abuse of federal funds by your group -- Oxford House. Smoke and mirrors regarding zoning, sexual predators, Fair Housing Laws, Americans with Disabilities Act, etc., is not the problem -- the core problem is the corruption of federal funding, federal officials, state funding, state officials, and Oxford House in channeling millions of OUR tax payer dollars into a ruse and ploy developed by OH who is getting rich off this chaos --- that's where the investigation is going.......stay tuned. BTW OH outreach workers -- it's lunch time -- take a break on us, the tax payers -- in fact have a drink.

9:20

My point would be to ask Oxford House if they would abide by the law. Jackson zoning law states that a home housing those with a handicap are allowed (6 or fewer unless otherwise permitted).

A disability is not necessarily a handicap. The ADA calls alcoholism a disability.

Disability is an impairment and a handicap is a limitation of ability. A car with a dead battery is impaired. A car with a blown engine is handicapped.

@11:30 P.M.

Sorry, but veteran doesn't carry the same respect as it used to. Most of our veterans today are generally unintelligent, and didn't have any other door open to them.

And you write like you plan on this becoming your permanent residence. Do you not plan on integrating into society at all? Please tell me how you will still influence the house while you are gone? They don't care about you at all, just your money.

12:04, I don't live in your neighborhood and really don't have a dog in this hunt, but can you give us some examples of what your senator has actually done to change the situation? Just curious. He's being portrayed as some kind of super hero and I can't for the life of me see anything but talk. Has he given the neighborhood any indication at all that he's going to be able to help? If so, how? I'm not a spammer from Maryland and I'm not taking sides. Like I said, I'm just curious as to the substance of your hero's work.

@2:33. Bashing veterans. Real class act you are. You have no idea what units they were with or what their military occupational speciality was. Some of those jobs require extremely intelligent men and women.
Where did you serve?

11:30 - you took the King's Coin, if you are in fact a vet. Lots of posers out there now. You and your buddy were volunteers. You signed up and received money and benefits like all volunteers since 1976. I like many other VETS on this blog are sick of the very few using their claim of "... considering what I and my roommate have sacrificed for this country." as an excuse for bad behavior. I am also a disabled vet. Millions of us and we don't go around using that as an excuse for addiction, alcoholism, etc. No one asked you to sacrifice a thing! Like me and millions of others since 1976 we VOLUNTEERED. Poor mans mercenary force, but you were NOT drafted. Stop sniveling, it's embarrassing.

Dear Sir or Madam,
I wasn't suggesting that my roommate or myself receive special treatment because we are veterans. I was refuting what the senator and some posters have said. We were not recruited from jails. We are not felons. We are not sex offenders. We don't want to be lumped into those categories. No, we don't plan on making this a permanent residence. We are here to straighten out our lives and help future roommates do the same. Again, I do not speak for the company Oxford House, just myself and roommate.

So many of these posts appear to have been written by a twenty seven year old, sitting under an outdoor umbrella, wearing rose colored glasses a few feet from a Fondren sidewalk. Hustle on over to McDade's and buy another power drink or some lentils to soak in warm tea. Open up your tablet and give Kahlil Gabran a rest.

To me, all of that is bullshit. What it boils down to is waking up and finding this type of establishment in your neighborhood, or worse, next door. If there is a way to fight it and win, go for it. Take it to the mat. Rid the community of it. If not, it's just another reason to move.

Sir or Ma'am,
I am sniveling or using our service record as an excuse. Just stating we aren't felons and sex offenders. I've never seen the inside of a jail. I do think my service affords me the opportunity to live quietly. John W.

3:20 -- don't get upset -- 2:33 is an OH person posing as one of us, and attempting to make us look "bad". Bottom line -- ignore them. They'll be gone soon. They can recruit each other from jail, based on the information coming out.

3:00pm
I hope you understand that the one thing OH in MD actually monitors is this thread. Therefore, there will be no revealing of strategy here by our Senator or anyone else.

Why are you here then May 7, 2015 at 3:00 PM? What business of it is yours?

Edit to my post at 349. I am NOT sniveling

3:27 and 3:49 -- (or one in the same) --- you almost did it -- deflected all of us from the true target -- Oxford House and their nefarious financial schemes.

Stay on point people -- stay on point. It's the federal and state corruption and the federal and state funding issues......OH loves to divert anything and everything they can away from those issues because those issues are the ones that STICK --- they are not associated with the ADA or the Fair Housing Act -- but with criminal activity.

They (OH people) mix emotive terminology and "feel sorry for me" rhetoric in, hoping they'll generate guilt and sympathy from us. STAY AWAY FROM THE BOGUS ARGUMENTS -- STAY ON POINT -- this is an Oxford House issue -- federal and state. Don't get sucked into their rhetoric. The devil's in the details.

Word on the street is that the CEO of Oxford House (a Republican) wrote a five page letter to Longwitz correcting Longwitz's lies about Oxford Houses. Perhaps Longwitz or his frat bros or the governor's office will post it on their websites. I wouldn't count on it. Why are Longwitz and the governor's staff wasting their time and our tax dollars on this when there are so many bigger problems in the neighborhood?

Let's break 3:27's post down... truth from fiction....

"I wasn't suggesting that my roommate or myself receive special treatment because we are veterans."

The Oxford Houses in NE Jackson are NOT veteran designated houses.

"We were not recruited from jails."

Oxford House in Mississippi recruits from jails. Read Senator Longwitz's first letter. Unlike anything pro-OH people say on here, Sen. Longwitz provided exhibits to back up what he wrote. Over and over again in OH reports to MDMH it was written "We are trying hard to get into the jails."

"We are not felons."

75-80% of Oxford House residents have done jail time.

"We are not sex offenders."

Some Oxford Houses bar sex offenders, and state that publicly. Like some of the ones in Austin, TX.
Why don't the Oxford Houses in Mississippi bar sex offenders? Because they have refused. You say the current residents aren't sex offenders, and we should believe you? What about the next 5-10-15-50 people that come through that house?

"We don't want to be lumped into those categories."

Yes, I'm sure you don't really appreciate any scrutiny at all.

"No, we don't plan on making this a permanent residence. We are here to straighten out our lives and help future roommates do the same."

How many of you are unemployed are on permanent disability? This is a long term thing. There is no time limit. You will go and establish other Oxford Houses every 6 months, just like the residents of the Forest Park house went and established the Northside Drive house. Again, read the exhibits to the Senator's 2nd letter. It's all there.

"Again, I do not speak for the company Oxford House, just myself and roommate."

This message probably originated from Oxford House Corporate in Maryland.

4:43, Word on the street is that CEO of Oxford House wrote Senator Longwitz a letter admitting to much of what the Senator's letter alleges.
Again, nice post you are writing sitting up in Maryland.

Oxford House is busy busy these days, and it isn't helping people recover. It's protecting their income stream from their property scheme they've got going.

4:43 -- Either you are Will's Republican opponent attempting to discredit him, a Democrat, or an OH person. Bigger issues? -- the reports tell all the issues with this group and prove without a doubt they are a BUSINESS with the purpose of adding more houses to create more revenue. Molloy can obfuscate, send letters, etc., but he cannot get away from fraudulent reports, and loan applications which are on record and on line now. Those ARE our neighborhood problems because WE ultimately pay the freight. My suggestion -- educate yourself on this group and their corrupt business practices. Just a review of their website let's you know that they're attempting to operate worldwide --- how much of our US $ are going abroad? Molloy has feathered his nest for TOO long with the taxpayer nickel. Will happens to be standing up for us -- haven't heard BOO from his opponents (either Democrat or Republican).

Have a drink? 11:24? Really? JACKASSERY

Dear Sir or Ma'am who posted at 435,
I'm not trying to destract anyone from Oxford House's business model. I'm really not even sure how it works.
I am just speaking out against the presumptions that those of us living here are felons, sex offenders, or malicious men. I only speak for the OH that I reside in. We were not recruited from jails and institutions. Two of us were referred to by a fellow veteran that lives in another OH. Our third roommate was also referred here. He also did not come here from jail. The fourth and last member of the house is an OH employee who makes sure we stay on track, make AA meetings, abide by house rules and curfews, makes sure we do our daily and nightly chores, and administers random drug and alcohol tests. I don't speak for Oxford House or any of the other locations. I haven't even recieved permission to speak. I just decided, on my own, to break silence because I was upset that people who live near us have been led to believe they have to fear their children and their own safety. Oxford House gave me the opportunity to live in a nice, safe environment in a nice home with other men who are in recovery and can help support me during my recovery. Thank you, John W.

Word on the street is that ...

ROFLMAO. You really must be a JJ greenhorn to think that anyone here will fall for that dupe.

Clearly a halfway house in a solid single family residential area is wildly inappropriate; that is why we have zoning ordinances. There is no honest dispute that seven unrelated men living in a transient manner in a small home, addictions aside, will be detrimental to the value of the proximate homes. No one can argue that the presence of the house will enhance the safety of those living close by, or promote the general welfare. There are parking and congestion issues even if these guys are missionaries. All these issues are legitimately regulated under the Zoning Ordinance pursuant to the state's police powers granted to municipalities. Now, that police power has been cleverly overridden by defining disabled in a tortured way. Disturbingly, it seeems that this federal usurpation of local laws (along with other projects such as the subsidized housing going up in Fondren) reflects an actual goal, or at least an enthusiatic willingness, throughout these federal agencies to undermine the stability of areas under some misguided belief system. Either that, or they have never spent ten minutes observing human behavior and are unbelievably dumb. I figure the state agencies are just incompetent pawns controlled by cronyism, willing to sacrifice the productive to the opportunistic. There is no upside to this scheme for property owners. To add insult to injury, it is your tax dollars used to undermine your neighborhood. To those that scream it is unchristian to oppose this use; why the assumption that the only way to help people is to harm the neighborhood? The question to be answered, then, is how to stop the flow of gov't money, so this mission work/gravy train would soon disappear. We need our elected officials to actually do something in the interest of their constituents.

Can someone please explain how it's a gravy train? Funding goes to open the house then it's paid back by the residents the landlord receive fair market rent for the areas they are in. The residents do not get state money. Your own reports state how the start money is spent. It's 4000 dollars. Have you ever gotten rich with that? First months rent plus deposit and having the utilities turned on. WOW and as for the out reach workers, yes they are paid to help the citizens of Mississippi receive the home they need to become productive citizens again. I'm sick of this reporting condemning these people. OH started up in Jackson in June of 2013 and has live in Pease with the neighbors until they dared move near the prestigious people of ENside. Most of these people have been in treatment and now need the responsibilities of living normally .

5:56
Good points. Under our zoning restrictions the residents of Sherwood Forest on one occasion limited the number of Nuns living together. It wasn't personal. They were nice. It was the law. So why do these guys organized by OH deserved special treatment better than the Nuns? Why are the recovering OH residents allowed larger group homes than others? It makes no sense. It is unequal treatment under the law. Why has Paul Malloy been allowed by the Congress to have this kind of power?

First we clean up Sherwood Forest and Forest Park. Then we go to see Thad and Roger and stop the unequal treatment nationwide.

6:47
It is a gravy train because the landlords are guaranteed rents paid for with SSI tax dollars of their tenants and tax paid for OH recruiters whose job is to keep the landowners houses full. What other residential landlord gets that kind of guaranteed, tax dollar deal? Is it any doubt that such a deal was bound to attract Hustlers like the Stephens?

6:47 --- Follow the money up---- Health and Human Services is where the gravy is ladled. MILLIONS of dollars in grants are being sent to the states who are required to have Evidence Based Systems --- well guess who the only EVIDENCED BASED SYSTEM happens to be.......Oxford House. Only a bit of the money is siphoned off by the state since they want to be compliant with federal law, the remainder is sent to OH. THAT'S Where the gravy train starts.

5:39 -- Interesting that you understand "business models" .........did OH give you that training? It is not a term normally used outside of business development. Also -- you have a person in the house being paid by OH -- hmmmmmm -- that is very interesting. We'll need to look into that issue too, since you are supposed to be a self-governing house, living independently per OH rules. Now they're in the house.......that is different than anything we've been hearing. Thank you for that information.

I'm curious, 6:47, what are the rents received for this house? What, according to your information are the fair market rates in the area? Also, do the residents receive federal monies from which rent is paid?

539, sir or ma'am,
I learned the term business model during one of my online business classes I used while in the military.
Yes sir or ma'am, we absolutely have an outreach coordinator living with us. He's directy across the hall from me. He also oversees the houses on Forest Park and the other one on Northside.
Thank you,
John W

alcoholism is a choice, not a disease or disability. We need to send a letter of fucking apology to anyone with cancer for being lumped in with a bunch of drunks.

NO ONE IN MY OXFORD HOUSE RECIEVES SSI Get a life you people. We Pay our own expenses. Quit lying about that. I work hard for what I have. Just as hard as any of you. THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT PAY OUR RENT. Lies upon lies just to make yourselves feel better about discriminating against people who are trying to better themselves. I'd post where I live and offer to show you my pay check but you all are the real criminals you would more than likely come DRUNK and threatening much like the good doctor did in your own neighborhood.

7:21 Rent in my neighborhood is 1200 per month and no one receives federal grant money here.

So 8:46 you're going up against AA next?

Have their been any shenanigans at these houses? I know there were some parking issues at one location. Ha anyone seen any of the occupants? Are they shady looking? Is there suspicious traffic at all hours? Anything strange been noticed? Is there someone we should contact if we suspect suspicious activity?

Look at the checks that were cut. FACT: $2437.00 to the landlord, and $1563.00 to the house. OH gets their cut. The state of MS is set to pay almost $2 MILLION dollars for these OH recruiters to go all over the state (and maybe even out of state?) into jails and God knows where, to recruit residents for these homes. And every 6 months, every OH spins out another Oxford House. Like rabbits they will multiply. These is a SCHEME.
You OH residents are being screwed. You aren't receiving any services, you are packed in these places like sardines, and OH is getting rich.

Please elaborate, 9:07, maybe you can set folk's minds at rest. I'm sure you can understand their concern with all the information/misinformation flying around. To which house are you referring, and what are the rents paid by each tenant. Further, how many tenants can be placed in the house?

5:39
I mean this sincerely: we all hope your recovery goes well and that of your fellows also. I think the goals of recovery are something we can and do all agree on. You are right also that we are concerned about risks in the neighborhood, maybe not from you, but from the overcrowding and individual situations in the aggregate. Yes, we do have families, wives and children, whose care are our very first and ongoing responsibility.

2437$ as first months rent and deposit. Quite a normal amount for ENside home. 1563 for electricity phone supplies to get started. Y'all are like dogs chasing your tails.

I will bet my doodle's doo that the person repetitively posting as John W. is NOT a resident of any type of halfway house. She is an employee of Oxford House at the corporate level.

Each of the posts is riddled with pristine attention to grammar interspersed with fake military veteran credentials and fallacial appeals to sympathy and emotion (we just want to be a good neighbor and better ourselves).

Those posts are glaringly fake.

Oxford House??? You people are really freaking out? A recovering addict is more dangerous than your Valium and Xanax filled tennis wife driving multiple kids to and from school etc??? The people who admit they need help are far better than the self-diagnosing, hypocritical addicts that pass by because of money. Shame on you. Where do you want them to go? How about a neighborhood closer to the schools or the ghetto perhaps? How many checks are you willing to write in exchange for this house being moved? I will answer for you- $0. You don't give a damn unless it is in your backyard.
Maybe, just maybe instead of saving "fur babies" you could try actual humans. Nah, addicts are not human are they? Until your kid, spouse or God forbid you are one. Then it is time to sweep it under the rug and ignore it so that your social circle won't find out....if a doctor prescribed it, it is ok right? Please. Those of you who are "Christians" and believe in forgiveness need to look in the mirror only to figure out why people are turning away from churches. I am ashamed that in the Bible Belt, we value property values far and above the lives and prosperity of those that need help. Keep one thing in mind: these aren't criminals, they aren't pedophiles, they are people with mental and chemical conditions that only need treatment and a safe environment to become productive citizens again......in your case as long as it is in someone else's backyard.

May 8, 2015 at 5:42 AM = Blah, blah, blah, blah

5:42 AM - I realize we have been keeping you folks at OH headquarters up all night. I guess if someone had exposed my scam I would be a little nervous as well. Attempting to guilt us, intimidate us, or appeal to the better angels of our nature has failed. You are a money making operation preying on the misery of others. And now everyone knows it. Your own monthly reports damn you. Keep the beds filled and hit the jails for more sardines to pack in and pay. Major focus of each report - open more houses so you make more money! Your own words OH. If OH is the 'model' used for treatment it is no wonder we have so many addicts. Fraud, waste, and abuse.

I have a larger, nicer home very near that house that I lease only to long term single family tenants. Apparently I am not charging enough if that is the normal rate for the location.
If placing 7 grown unrelated men under one roof is the preferred method of addiction treatment, build a lovely campus full of these houses somewhere that won't have a detrimental effect on the area. Those rates should service the debt on such a facility to further our "investors/mission workers" goals. People were also pretty unhappy when a mexican restaurant bought a single family house to pack a bunch of workers under one roof. No where under sound zoning principles is it considered beneficial to have a large number of unrelated adults living in a single family residence, among single family homes. That is why the very name of the classification is Single Family. If someone cannot understand this, they just don't want to.

So sad that the zoning protection for the residents of Jackson is not there. This would never happen in a city with good modern planning.

10:18
You need to read the COJ consent decree and consider the fact that COJ has paid out over $250,000 in fines for trying to uphold zoning restrictions against federal preemption under the ADA/FHA. It is only a matter of time until this protected class of the "disabled" asserts itself in burbs, and when they do, it will be quite a battle. Ultimately this is the fault not just of Congress but of OH and the local landlord hucksters and hustlers who are taking advantage of the system Congress created. It must be changed so that local control over zoning is reestablished, and we are not taken advantage of by the people like the Stephens.

STAY FOCUSED -- FOLLOW THE MONEY!!! You're all letting OH use their tried and true arguments:

1. Bullying through ADA/FHA regulations and threats. (These are a non-starter -- so don't even worry about fighting that fight - that's what THEY want us to do).

2. The perennial -- Un-Christian, KKK, bigot, racist, selfish, self absorbed, elitist, anti-veteran....(have I missed any?) arguments. We've been in a state that's been kicked for the last 60 years and understand TRULY what those terms mean and sadly those at OH do not and are abusing the true meaning of the terminology, thus dumbing those words down and making them meaningless -- just let them flow like water on a duck's back. LET IT GO!!

AGAIN --- STAY ON POINT -- ignore the thrashing and frenzy coming out of OH. You know we're hitting nerves, when we're getting this type of response.

Can someone explain how OH is making money? The grants go through them and I'm sure they're skimming off those, but unless the landlords are kicking something back to them they're not making anything once the grant is sent to the state. I don't like this any more than anyone else, but calling it a money making scam for OH seems to be inaccurate. The landlords also don't appear to be raking it in, although $1,600 or $1,700 a month is probably above what they could get from a single family renter. Where's the money being made?

11:44
Have you ever advertised a house for rent on the internet or through the CL? I have. It can get expensive, esp through a broker. You've got to remember that the Stephens also do not have the normal expense of advertising or looking for tenants; that is done for them through MDMH administered federal grants funding the so-called "outreach" workers whose main job is to keep the OHs filled. Anna can sit back and collect a guaranteed healthy check forever that will end up making her someday free of a mortgage, and on paper, well off in assets, no sweat.

11:44 -- Go do your own research -- if we have to spoon feed you -- then you must be from OH Corporate. It's ALL publicly available. OH -- stop fishing!!! YOu must be quite concerned -- I would be!

"This would never happen in a city with good modern planning. "

I think Harvey Johnson planned Jackson into the ground.

So there really isn't any money being made by Oxford House beyond their salaries. Thanks for confirming what my research has already shown, 12:28.

Not sure why you think ANYONE that supports Oxford House would be concerned. The law supports Oxford House, as well as the judgements against states that try to use them.

The spokesperson for the 2230 Northside Drive house seems happy. Of course, his contentment right now may have something to do with the fact that only three residents are living there full time right now. (This is a three bedroom house). I wonder how he will feel after Anna Stephens crams 4 more people in that house. (It is a fact that the house is going to house 7 people - check the OH website and the OH charter application for this house). Imagine living with 7 unrelated adult males in a three bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1800 square foot house. It is not feasible. They knew that. That is why they had to lie on the application for the federal seed money loan and say that the house was a 5 bedroom house. (That lie of course will likely expose OH to potential violations of the federal False Claims Act. And maybe others.) Even if you support OH, won't you agree that cramming 7 people in that house is not helpful to the recovery process? Can't you see that the decision to buy a such a small house only serves Anna Stephens. If she genuinely cared about these people she would have bought a much larger 4 or 5 bedroom house like OH recommends. (That is correct. OH says the houses need to be 4 or more "good sized" bedrooms - go to the FAQs on the OH website). But apparently Anna did not want to spend the money necessary for a 4 bedroom house. It would hurt her return on investment. I would NEVER ask 7 unrelated adult males to live in a three bedroom, 1800 square foot house all while charging them above market rent. OH supporters would do well for themselves to call the Stephens out on this.

This isn't an " either/or" situation.

You can help those with substance abuse problems more effectively without putting half-way houses, treatment facilities or this Oxford hybrid without putting facilities in established residential neighborhoods!

Once upon a time, we had charity hospitals especially for the treatment of addictions in this country that included helping those in recovery get jobs and housing.

That Oxford house offers no services other than a roof and can make success claims of those who leave voluntarily!

This is politics at its worst.

Make the public think that a business enterprise is actually a religious based charity.

We've turned religion into a means to get rich quick without actually having to work! We've turned capitalism into a religion and money into a false idol!

It's moral now to be greedy at the expense of the poor in spirit or cash.

The Bible is inerrant except that rich men can easily buy their way into Heaven and usury is just a higher interest rate!

The US has become THE Ship of Fools!

OH are HOMES not treatment facilities. An organized home of people being responsible tax paying citizens. No one RECIEVES state or federal money. No one is a violent criminal or sex offender. We are cancer survivors, nurses, veterans, mothers, fathers, and children of the same God you are. I live in a home in Jackson that has been here since 12/2013. Property values haven't changed. And landlord only receives our rent check.the government does not send them a check every month. Get the real facts. I don't see the senator doing anything but ALLEGING any of the things. Nothing is proven.

If what I am hearing is correct, these OH residents receive no gov't assistance, work hard at jobs to pay all of their own expenses and are completely self sufficient and self governing. But disabled.

Well said, 1:11! And personally, I believe that "our" Government's giving money to religion-based "programs" is a violation of the Separation of Church and State. Nothing corrupts religion faster than does government money. The "ministry" under debate here is a great example of that corruption.

Considering that the Feds have basically given such ersatz "ministies" permission to override local zoning ordinances (in effect, giving them powers greater than those of the communities in which they are located), is this not a facet of "establishment of a religion" by government?

Read the traditions of OH. It is not affiliated with any religious organizations. Come by one of the houses we have extra copies.

Actually, 11:57, there are 5 bedrooms at 2230 Northside Dr. The houses have been inspected by MDMH. Maybe you can find something else to believe in.

What ever happened to personal property rights? This is a rental property, and the people renting it are under no more legal obligation to seek treatment or supervision than anyone else living in a rent house. Their affiliation with Oxford House is completely voluntary, as is OH sending federal money to Mississippi to provide the $4,000 loan to the residents. OH has hired four Mississippians to assist the residents - again, completely voluntary and legal - and is providing grant money to pay for it. Complain all you want, but there is nothing illegal going on here and you'd be well advised to make the best of it.

It was advertised for sale as a 3 bedroom house. To call it a 5 bedroom house is a F*ing lie. Look at the documents behind Will Longwitz's 2d letter. If the house was converted, it was by using the combined dining room, living room, and without a city permit. The house was not designed as a boarding house in which to pack 7 men with big problems near children. The house has no permit for 7 men. It is unlawful.

7:56am
Also, the Application attached as an Exhibit to Senator Longwitz's second letter said 5 bedrooms and 3 "other" rooms, meaning they all knew what they were attesting to was a damn lie since there are not even that many rooms in the house. It is only 1758 s.ft. The application relied on by the HHS and State is a fraud meant to try to meet the OH published guidelines (see Ex H). Unlawful and wrong! And packing in that many men is Wrong!

I saw a house for sale on Ridgewood today near Saratoga advertised as "Six Bedrooms". Just an alert for the neighbors there.....

10:56 aka Paul: the outreach workers as you well know are there to recruit for the houses, and have to date inspected what,one house of 15?

Is the total occupancy of the house the problem? How many should be allowed? Are any laws being broken? Please be specific, because what's right or wrong in the eyes of angry neighbors and a self serving politician certainly doesn't equate to laws being broken. Plus, doesn't it bother anyone that Longwitz has known about this for several months - see his own Facebook post on April 2 - but hasn't come forward until it was election season? Why didn't he stop it from opening instead of sitting by while they moved in? You people are being had...

7 problematic men in a small 3 bedroom house near neighborhood children is wrong and will never be accepted here. The people of Jackson will always be angry about this, you can sure of that, Paul.

Why won't any of you whiners answer the simple questions at 10:58 and 5:45? I'm beginning to believe that there are five or six rabble rousers who are making all the inflammatory comments.

Since there are 5 bedrooms, and it was listed as 5, not sure where the lie is.

Unless some of the recoverees are sleeping in their vehicles in the carport there isn't 5 bedrooms. There is your discrepancy.

9:46, I take it you're still counting on the real estate listing for your information. Better go to the house and start counting.