"Lost in Limbo": Hattiesburg's Homeless Struggle with New State Laws

New State Laws Spark Concerns in Hattiesburg Over Homelessness

Two new state laws that came into effect on July 1 are causing alarm in Mississippi, especially in areas where support systems for homeless individuals are already under pressure. These laws aim to address issues related to public spaces and begging but have raised concerns among community leaders and those experiencing homelessness.

House Bill 1203: Prohibiting Camping on Public Property

House Bill 1203 makes it illegal to camp on public property not designated as a shelter, with violations potentially resulting in fines of up to $50. This law is intended to reduce the number of encampments and prevent people from sleeping on public land. However, in Hattiesburg, where there are limited shelters and existing resources are stretched thin, nonprofit leaders fear that enforcement could push vulnerable individuals further into the margins of society.

Hattiesburg has a significant number of people experiencing homelessness, with 145 individuals recorded in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2025 Point-in-Time Count. This figure places the city among the highest numbers outside of the Jackson metro area and the Gulf Coast.

One of these individuals is Jarvis Ingram, a long-time resident who became homeless after the loss of a family member two years ago. He currently relies on the Fieldhouse for the Homeless for showers and meals and sleeps on the streets. Cynthia Young, co-founder of the Fieldhouse, has observed growing concern among homeless residents like Ingram.

“Most of the people that are unhoused right now, they're saying they're going deeper in the woods,” Young said. “Some have asked about coming to the shelter — and most nights, we're already full — and there's already a need for more shelter for people in Hattiesburg.”

Ingram expressed his fears about the potential consequences of the law, suggesting that it could force homeless individuals into even more dangerous locations, such as abandoned houses and buildings. He also questioned how the fines would be enforced, noting that he would not be able to afford them if charged.

City Addresses Concerns

John Arender, Hattiesburg’s chief communications officer, stated that the city has a dedicated homeless coordinator and a liaison officer within the police department who works daily to connect individuals with services and identify housing solutions. Arender noted that while HB 1203 does not significantly alter operations, it extends existing procedures on private property to public property.

Young and her team worry about how the laws will be enforced and what impact this could have if there are no additional services to help prevent homeless individuals from breaking the law again. She emphasized the lack of alternatives for those in need.

As for HB 1197, which requires permits for soliciting donations, the city has no plans to implement a permit process for panhandling. Arender explained that the city already has an aggressive panhandling ordinance and that their focus remains on proactive engagement and connecting individuals to resources.

Recent Initiatives to Address Homelessness

In recent years, the city has launched multiple initiatives to tackle homelessness, including the Hub City Homeless Outreach Team. This partnership involves city departments, local nonprofits, healthcare providers, faith leaders, and advocacy groups.

What the Laws Allow and Criticisms

HB 1203 requires a 24-hour notice to residents of a campsite before items are removed. Items with no apparent utility or in unsanitary conditions can be discarded immediately. Rep. Shanda Yates, who authored both bills, mentioned during the 2025 legislative session that the goal was to encourage those sleeping on the street to seek out shelters or other resource centers.

However, Joshua Tom, legal director of the ACLU of Mississippi, warned that the laws could violate constitutional protections, particularly regarding free speech and due process. He highlighted the potential for legal challenges if laws attempt to control what people say in public.

The article originally appeared on RHCJC and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.