Jackson Jambalaya

 Jackson Mayor John Horhn issued the following statement. 

Mayor John Horhn today announced the creation of the City of Jackson’s Unhoused Task Force, a diverse group of advocates, business leaders, and community experts dedicated to developing actionable strategies to address homelessness and panhandling across the capital city.

The task force will be co-chaired by Melvin Stamps, representing Continuum of Care, and Jill Buckley, Executive Director of Stewpot Community Services. The group will provide recommendations to the Mayor and City Council aimed at enhancing coordination among service providers, identifying long-term housing solutions, and improving outreach and safety for both residents and the unhoused population.

Mayor Horhn said the formation of the task force is a vital step toward compassionate and sustainable solutions.

“Homelessness impacts every corner of our community, from our downtown business corridors to our neighborhoods,” said Mayor John Horhn. “Through this task force, we’re bringing together people who understand the complexity of this issue from every angle, advocates, service providers, and policy experts, to help us design solutions rooted in dignity and opportunity.”

Co-chair Melvin Stamps reflected on the collaborative spirit guiding the effort.

“Addressing homelessness requires a unified approach that goes beyond temporary support,” Stamps said. “Our goal is to help the city align resources, remove barriers, and strengthen partnerships that lead to permanent housing stability for Jackson residents.”

Co-chair Jill Buckley emphasized the importance of compassion and coordination.

“Every person in Jackson deserves to live with security and self-respect,” Buckley said. “This task force represents a commitment to listening, learning, and building a community response that offers real paths to housing and hope.”

The Unhoused Task Force will begin meeting later this month and deliver its initial recommendations to the Mayor by early 2026. Working groups will focus on housing access, mental health services, workforce re-entry, and panhandling reduction strategies that prioritize human-centered outcomes.

Members of the City of Jackson Unhoused Task Force:

·         Melvin Stamps, Continuum of Care (Co-Chairman)

·         Jill Buckley, Stewpot Community Services (Co-Chairman)

·         Liz Brister, Downtown Jackson Partners

·         Pat Bennett, Mississippi College School of Law

·         Grace Greene, The Net, MDOC Satellite Facility Mentor

·         Ledger Parker, Mississippi United To End Homelessness (MUTEH)

·         Patricia Reese, Mayoral Transition Team

·         Putalamus White, Jackson Resource Center

·         Tiffany Jones, Jackson Public Schools

·         Wendy Bailey, Mississippi Department of Mental Health Services

·         Tamara Stewart, Mississippi Home Corporation

·         Stacey Howard, Grace House

·         Stuart Tirey, Central Mississippi Realtors

·         Merrill McKewen, Habitat for Humanity

·         Tim Collins, Mississippi Housing Partnership

·         Sanetria Moore, Hinds Behavioral Health Services