Announcements and News
Helping to change lives in Mississippi
MDHS executive chosen for prestigious leadership class
(Jackson, Miss.) – MDHS Inspector General/Deputy Executive Director Hadley Gable-Eisenberger, Esq. has been selected as one of forty-eight standout Mississippians to take part in the 2020 Class of MEC’s Leadership Mississippi. Upon completion, Eisenberger will join more than 1,300 alumni active in Mississippi business and politics. Participants work together in a training program that combines individual study, group sessions and project experience in using leadership skills. As Inspector General, Eisenberger serves as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director, providing oversight of the agency’s activities and ensuring the agency operates as good stewards of taxpayer dollars. She, and [...]
MDHS program helps thousands of Mississippians stay warm during the winter
Thousands of Mississippians won’t have to worry about staying warm this winter, thanks to a program offered by the Mississippi Department of Human Services. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. This important resource provides financial assistance to eligible households in managing cost associated with: Home Energy bills Energy Crisis Weatherization Repair or replacement of heaters or furnaces Households may qualify for regular LIHEAP assistance and/or the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) for natural gas, wood, electricity, liquid propane/butane gas and other energy-related [...]
MDHS statement on SNAP replacement benefits for counties affected by severe weather
Requests for replacement of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits due to the severe weather on January 10-11, 2020 will be accepted and processed according to policy at the Mississippi Department of Human Services offices in affected counties. Requests for replacement must be made within 10 days of the disaster occurrence or loss. Those interested should check with their respective county office to determine eligibility. Households not currently receiving SNAP Benefits may apply for SNAP at their county Department of Human Services Office or online at https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/economic-assistance/snap/ ###
MDHS Executive Director to step down
MDHS Executive Director to step down (Jackson, Miss.) – MDHS Executive Director Christopher Freeze announced his resignation today, effective January 14, 2020. Freeze, who was appointed head of the agency by Governor Phil Bryant on August 1, 2019, had worked toward the mission of helping Mississippians move from a state of crisis to a state of self-sufficiency utilizing a trauma-informed approach. Prior to assuming the position of executive director at MDHS, Freeze had served as Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Mississippi. “I am grateful to Gov. Phil Bryant for appointing me to this position, and [...]
MDHS program brings year-round holiday cheer to thousands of Mississippians
(Jackson, Miss.) – The holiday season will be a little bit brighter for thousands of aging Mississippians thanks to a program offered by the Mississippi Department of Human Services. The Home Delivered Meals program (HDM), made possible by the Older Americans Act of 1965, provides eligible homebound, functionally impaired persons, particularly those in greatest economic and social need, five nutritious meals per week. Through the program, 125,000 meals are delivered each month to 7,073 homes across the state. The meals are delivered by drivers with Trio Food Services, who develop relationships with the beneficiaries and are therefore an [...]
MDHS statement concerning USDA revisions to waiver on SNAP benefits for ABAWD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 5, 2019 Contact: The Mississippi Department of Human Services, Office of Communications Danny Blanton, (601) 359-4612, danny.blanton@mdhs.ms.gov OR Vanessa C. Lowe, (601) 359-4183, vanessa.lowe@mdhs.ms.gov MDHS statement concerning USDA revisions to waiver on SNAP benefits for ABAWD (Jackson, Miss.) – The ruling by the United States Department of Agriculture revising the conditions under which the USDA would waive, when requested by the states, the able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) time limit for receiving SNAP benefits will not affect the State of Mississippi. House Bill 1090, The Act to Restore Hope Opportunity and Prosperity for [...]