A major investment in homelessness and re-entry services came to Washington County this week as U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson presented an $850,000 federal check to support Sacred Space, a local shelter serving homeless individuals and formerly incarcerated residents.
The funding, awarded as directed spending through the Washington County Board of Supervisors, will support transitional housing, workforce development and 24-hour feeding services at the facility.
Thompson said his decision to back the project followed a visit to the center and conversations with local leaders.
“When I made the tour here, the one thing that I did see was everybody was behind,” Thompson said. “I asked Sheriff Gaston, was this a good group to support? He said, ‘Man, we pick up a lot of folk off the street and bring them here because they ain’t got nowhere else to go”.
Sacred Space leaders outlined the organization’s mission during the presentation, emphasizing its focus on re-entry and homelessness.
“We also do transitional living and a feeding program that is 24-7, trying to get back to the least, lost and left out,” Chris said.
Another speaker noted that many program participants were not present at the ceremony because they were employed.
“They’re helping them develop. They’re housing. They’re training them.. ,” Mayor Simmons said. “And they’re out there working right now in places in Greenville and the county right now”.
Thompson formally announced the funding shortly afterward.
“So what I have for this center … I got a check for $850,000,” Thompson said.
He explained that the grant will be administered through the county to ensure accountability while remaining dedicated to the shelter’s work.
“But actually the grant is to the Washington County Board of Supervisors. So it’s what we call directed spending,” Thompson said. “We’re going to give it to them and they can only spend it for this project”.
The congressman praised the collaboration between county officials, city leaders, churches and law enforcement, calling it a model for other communities seeking federal support.
“This is the best example I know of folk working together for a common good,” Thompson said . “If you can get everybody together and be just like the folk in Washington County, I don’t mind helping”.
The $850,000 allocation was part of a broader funding announcement that included projects across the Delta. However, speakers repeatedly emphasized the Sacred Space award as a defining moment for Washington County’s continued efforts to provide shelter, stability and second chances to vulnerable residents.
