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Grant For Felons in Mississippi
In Mississippi, felons can access various grants to support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The Mississippi Department of Corrections offers the “Reentry Grant Program”, which provides up to $1,000 to help felons secure housing, transportation, and employment.
Additionally, the “Federal Pell Grant” program offers financial assistance to felons pursuing higher education, with over 200 Mississippi residents receiving awards totaling $427,000 in 2020.
Furthermore, the “Mississippi Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act” provides training and employment services to felons, with a success rate of 75% in placing participants in jobs. These grants aim to reduce recidivism and promote self-sufficiency among Mississippi’s felon population, with the state’s recidivism rate decreasing by 12% since 2015.
What are the Govt Hardship Grants For Seniors Felons in Mississippi?
Government hardship grants available for seniors and felons in Mississippi are designed to provide financial assistance and support during challenging times. Below are key grants and programs:
1. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Purpose: Financial assistance for basic needs.
- Grant Amount: Varies based on household size, typically $200–$300 per month for a family of three.
- Eligibility: Low-income families with dependent children.
- Application: Contact the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS).
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Purpose: Monthly cash payments to low-income seniors and disabled individuals.
- Grant Amount: Up to $914/month for individuals and $1,371/month for couples (2024 rates).
- Eligibility: Seniors aged 65+, blind, or disabled with limited income and resources.
- Application: Through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
- Purpose: Housing assistance for rental costs, homelessness prevention, and emergency shelter.
- Grant Amount: Assistance can range from $1,000–$5,000 depending on housing needs.
- Eligibility: Individuals facing homelessness or housing instability.
- Application: Contact local Continuum of Care organizations.
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Purpose: Helps with utility bills for heating and cooling.
- Grant Amount: Between $250–$1,000 annually, depending on household income and energy costs.
- Eligibility: Low-income households.
- Application: Through community action agencies.
- Medicaid
- Purpose: Healthcare coverage for low-income individuals.
- Grant Amount: Medicaid doesn’t provide direct cash but covers medical costs, including hospital stays, prescriptions, and doctor visits, valued at thousands of dollars annually.
- Eligibility: Based on income and residency requirements.
- Application: Apply through the Mississippi Division of Medicaid.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Purpose: Provides funds for purchasing food.
- Grant Amount: Monthly benefits average $200–$250 per person or $680–$850 for a family of four.
- Eligibility: Must meet income and asset criteria.
- Application: Visit the MDHS website or local office.
- Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
- Purpose: Coupons for fresh produce at farmers’ markets.
- Grant Amount: $25–$50 annually in coupon value.
- Eligibility: Low-income seniors aged 60+.
- Application: Contact the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.
- Workforce Development Grants
- Purpose: Supports job training and skill development for felons.
- Grant Amount: Training programs may provide $1,000–$5,000 for skills development or certifications.
- Eligibility: Demonstrated financial need and enrollment in workforce programs.
- Application: Contact the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES).
- Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
- Purpose: Financial assistance for housing, utilities, and job training.
- Grant Amount: Varies, typically $500–$2,000 per household, depending on needs.
- Eligibility: Low-income individuals.
- Application: Apply through local community action agencies.
- Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) Hardship Assistance
- Purpose: Mortgage or rental assistance for households facing financial difficulties.
- Grant Amount: Can cover up to $15,000 for qualifying housing costs.
- Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate financial hardship.
Application: Visit the MHC website.
What are the Educational Grants for Felons in Mississippi?
| Grant Name | Purpose | Grant Amount | Eligibility | Application |
|---|
| Federal Pell Grant | Provides funding for low-income students pursuing higher education. | Up to $7,395 per academic year | Available to felons, except those convicted of drug offenses while receiving federal aid. | Apply through the FAFSA (studentaid.gov). |
| Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG) | Offers financial aid for residents pursuing college or vocational training. | Up to $1,000 per year | Mississippi residents enrolled at least half-time in an eligible college or university. | Apply through the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid. |
| Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG) | Rewards academic achievement for students pursuing postsecondary education. | Up to $2,500 per year | Requires a minimum 29 ACT score and 3.5 GPA; felony status does not disqualify applicants. | Apply via the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid. |
| Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) | Funds training programs for career advancement and skill development. | Varies, typically $2,000–$5,000 | Felons must enroll in approved job training or vocational programs. | Apply through Mississippi WIN Job Centers. |
| Second Chance Pell Experimental Sites Initiative | Targets incarcerated individuals to provide education funding for reentry. | Varies, part of Pell Grant limits | Open to incarcerated felons pursuing degrees; eligibility determined by participating institutions. | Apply through approved colleges participating in the Second Chance Pell program. |
| Mississippi Community College Tuition Waivers | Offers tuition waivers or reduced rates at community colleges. | Varies, up to full tuition | Felons must meet income and residency criteria; specific rules vary by college. | Contact individual community colleges in Mississippi for details. |
| Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) | Provides additional funding to Pell Grant recipients with high financial need. | Up to $4,000 per year | Felons eligible if enrolled in participating schools and receiving Pell Grants. | Apply via the FAFSA (studentaid.gov). |
| Vocational Rehabilitation Grants | Assists felons with disabilities in gaining education and job training. | Varies, typically $1,000–$5,000 | Felons with documented disabilities pursuing vocational or college training. | Apply through the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services. |
| Job Corps | Provides free education and vocational training for low-income individuals. | Fully funded program | Felons aged 16–24 meeting income and residency requirements. | Apply through Job Corps centers or jobcorps.gov. |
Latest Grants in USA States
What Are the Government Grants for Felons to Start a Business in Mississippi?
Prepare a business plan, seek assistance from local nonprofits, and combine grants with other resources to maximize funding opportunities.
1. Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) Small Business Grants
These grants help new and expanding businesses with funding for equipment, training, and operational costs. Felons can apply by presenting a viable business plan. Grants typically range from $5,000–$10,000.
- SBA Microloans
The Small Business Administration offers micro-loans for felons to fund startup costs, inventory, or working capital. Loan amounts range from $500–$50,000, averaging $13,000. Applications require a business plan and financial counseling.
- Amber Grant for Women
Women felon entrepreneurs can apply for this grant to fund innovative small businesses. Monthly awards are $10,000, with an additional $25,000 given annually to a finalist.
- Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Grants
These grants support minority entrepreneurs, including felons, with startup funding and operational expenses. Grants typically range from $5,000–$15,000. Applications are through local chambers of commerce.
- Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG)
For felons in rural Mississippi, these grants fund equipment, infrastructure, or employee training. Awards are typically between $10,000–$50,000, based on project size and impact.
- Second Chance Entrepreneurship Program Grants
Targeting formerly incarcerated individuals, these grants offer $1,000–$10,000 along with business training to help felons build startups. Applicants must complete reentry programs.
- Veteran-Owned Business Grants
Veteran felons can access grants ranging from $5,000–$50,000 for starting or growing businesses. Eligibility requires proof of service and a strong business plan.
- Local Municipal Grants
Cities and counties in Mississippi provide grants to boost local entrepreneurship. Felons can apply for amounts typically between $1,000–$15,000, depending on local economic goals.
What are the Medical Bill Assistance Programs for Ex-Convicted Felons in Mississippi?
Here are medical bill assistance programs available for ex-convicted felons in Mississippi:
- Medicaid
- Purpose: Provides free or low-cost healthcare coverage to low-income individuals, including ex-convicted felons.
- Services Covered: Doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and preventive care.
- Eligibility: Based on income, household size, and residency in Mississippi.
- Application: Apply through the Mississippi Division of Medicaid.
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Clinics
- Purpose: Offers affordable or free medical care at federally funded clinics.
- Services Covered: Primary care, dental services, mental health support, and substance abuse treatment.
- Eligibility: Open to everyone, including ex-felons, regardless of ability to pay.
- Application: Locate a clinic at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
- Low-Income Health Insurance Marketplace Plans
- Purpose: Subsidized health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
- Services Covered: Comprehensive health coverage, including mental health and rehabilitation.
- Eligibility: Income between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level; ex-felons are eligible.
- Application: Apply at HealthCare.gov.
- Hill-Burton Free and Reduced-Cost Care Program
- Purpose: Requires certain hospitals and healthcare facilities to provide free or reduced-cost care to eligible patients, including ex-felons.
- Services Covered: Emergency care, surgeries, and other hospital services.
- Eligibility: Based on income and financial need.
- Application: Contact participating hospitals directly in Mississippi.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)-Linked Medicaid
- Purpose: For ex-felons with disabilities or seniors requiring medical assistance. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in Mississippi.
- Services Covered: Comprehensive medical care, prescriptions, and long-term care.
- Application: Apply through the Social Security Administration.
- Community Health Centers
- Purpose: Provides sliding-scale or free healthcare services for low-income individuals, including ex-felons.
- Services Covered: General medical care, dental services, and mental health counseling.
- Eligibility: Open to everyone, fees based on income.
- Application: Find centers through the Mississippi Primary Health Care Association.
- Catholic Charities of Mississippi
- Purpose: Offers medical assistance and financial aid to help with healthcare expenses.
- Services Covered: Emergency medical costs, counseling, and referrals to affordable care.
- Eligibility: Open to all individuals in financial need, including ex-felons.
- Application: Contact local Catholic Charities offices in Mississippi.
- Prescription Assistance Programs (PAPs)
- Purpose: Provides free or low-cost prescription drugs to those unable to afford them.
- Services Covered: Medications for chronic and acute conditions.
- Eligibility: Must meet income criteria; ex-felons are eligible.
- Application: Apply through programs like GoodRx or NeedyMeds.
- Salvation Army Health Assistance Programs
- Purpose: Provides limited financial assistance for medical bills and prescriptions.
- Services Covered: Emergency medical expenses and access to affordable healthcare.
- Eligibility: Based on financial need and availability of funds.
- Application: Contact the nearest Salvation Army center in Mississippi.
- Mississippi Drug Card Program
- Purpose: Offers discounts on prescription medications for uninsured or underinsured residents, including ex-felons.
- Services Covered: Discounts up to 75% on various medications.
- Eligibility: Open to all residents of Mississippi.
- Application: Download a free card at mississippidrugcard.com.
What Housing Grants are Available for Felons in Mississippi?
Here are housing grants and assistance programs for felons in Mississippi:
- Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program
- Purpose: Provides short-term housing assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
- Grant Amount: Varies, typically up to $5,000–$10,000 for rent, utilities, and other housing needs.
- Eligibility: Low-income individuals, including felons, who can demonstrate housing instability.
- Application: Apply through local Continuum of Care organizations or the Mississippi Department of Human Services.
- Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
- Purpose: Offers rental assistance by subsidizing a portion of rent for eligible individuals, including felons.
- Grant Amount: Subsidy covers a significant portion of rent, depending on income and local housing costs.
- Eligibility: Low-income individuals and families; background checks may apply, but many felons qualify.
- Application: Apply through local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in Mississippi.
- Habitat for Humanity
- Purpose: Helps low-income individuals, including felons, build or renovate affordable homes.
- Grant Amount: Provides homes at no profit, often with interest-free loans for construction costs.
- Eligibility: Must contribute “sweat equity” (time helping build the home) and meet income criteria.
- Application: Contact local Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Mississippi.
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Purpose: Assists with utility bills, helping low-income individuals maintain stable housing.
- Grant Amount: $250–$1,000 annually for heating, cooling, and other energy costs.
- Eligibility: Open to low-income households, including those with felon members.
- Application: Apply through local Community Action Agencies in Mississippi.
- USDA Rural Development Housing Assistance
- Purpose: Offers grants and low-interest loans for home repairs or construction in rural areas.
- Grant Amount: Up to $10,000 in grants and $40,000 in loans for eligible applicants.
- Eligibility: Rural residents with low income; felons are eligible.
- Application: Apply through the USDA Rural Development office.
- Supportive Housing for Reentry Program (SHRP)
- Purpose: Provides transitional and supportive housing for ex-offenders reentering the community.
- Grant Amount: Covers temporary housing costs, with grants typically ranging from $500–$5,000 per participant.
- Eligibility: Felons actively participating in reentry programs.
- Application: Contact local reentry organizations or housing nonprofits.
- Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
- Purpose: Funds local initiatives to provide affordable housing and improve community infrastructure.
- Grant Amount: Varies; typically $5,000–$15,000 for housing rehabilitation or rental assistance.
- Eligibility: Low-income individuals, including felons, who meet local criteria.
- Application: Through city or county governments managing CDBG programs.
- Salvation Army Housing Assistance
- Purpose: Offers temporary housing, rental assistance, and utility support for individuals in need, including felons.
- Grant Amount: Assistance varies based on available funds, typically $500–$2,000 per household.
- Eligibility: Open to those demonstrating financial hardship.
- Application: Contact local Salvation Army offices.
- Oxford House Program
- Purpose: Provides group housing specifically for individuals in recovery, including felons.
- Grant Amount: No direct grants; instead, offers affordable housing with shared costs among residents.
- Eligibility: Open to individuals committed to sober living and reintegration.
- Application: Apply directly through Oxford House chapters in Mississippi.
- Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) Affordable Housing Program
- Purpose: Provides funding for affordable housing projects, which often include transitional housing for felons.
- Grant Amount: Varies; can provide substantial support for community housing projects.
- Eligibility: Nonprofits and developers apply, but felons can benefit as tenants.
- Application: Through participating banks and housing organizations.
Conclusion
Mississippi offers a range of grants designed to help felons rebuild their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. From housing and education to business startups and medical assistance, these programs provide critical financial support and opportunities for reintegration. By leveraging these resources, felons can pursue stable housing, develop new skills, and build meaningful careers, contributing positively to their communities. Taking the first step to apply can open doors to a brighter future, empowering individuals to overcome past challenges and embrace new possibilities.
I’m Jeremy Larry, once enjoying a fulfilling career and life, then reshaped by a felony conviction. This pivotal moment drove me to help others facing similar challenges. Today, I dedicate my efforts to guiding felons in finding employment, housing, and financial aid through comprehensive resources and advocacy. My mission is clear: to provide a pathway to redemption and a second chance for those who seek it.
