During Monday’s meeting of the Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen, Mayor George Flaggs Jr. announced the formation of the Vicksburg Homeless Solutions Task Force, calling it a coordinated, city-led initiative to assess and address homelessness within the community.

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

Flaggs said the newly formed task force will focus on four primary areas, including: evaluating the current state of homelessness in Vicksburg; identifying a building the city could lease to provide temporary shelter and resources; developing strategies to address homelessness in specific hotspot areas; recommending realistic, sustainable solutions in time for the city’s annual budget hearings in August.

The task force will be chaired by Vicksburg Chief of Police Penny Jones, with Vicksburg Police Department Training and Media Coordinator Mike Bryant serving as co-chair. Additional members include: Director of Finance and Accounting Doug Whittington; Director of Community Development Jeff Richardson; Human Resources Director Carla Sullivan; Grants Administrator Nancy Allen; and City Attorney Lee Davis Thames Jr.

Flaggs said the task force will begin meeting immediately in order to develop a comprehensive approach reflecting the city’s values of safety, dignity and opportunity for all.

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

For more information on the task force, Flaggs may be contacted directly at 601-942-0492.