Director Seeks Input on Affordable Housing

GULFPORT, MS - Back Bay Mission is booked with volunteers through the end of 2009. "Just in the last year, we finished about 100 homes alone," said Back Bay Mission Director Shari Prestemon. The mission learned this week that it is receiving nearly two-million dollars in state grants to build Long Term Workforce Housing. The money will be used to build 40 two and three bedroom units in Pass Christian. The group hopes the new Mississippi Coast Housing Director will help speed-up the affordable housing process even more. "What we're hoping is that he'll be able to help facilitate getting the money from MDA on the ground faster, so we can get housing faster for the people who need it," said Prestemon.

Gerald Blessey listened to all the concerns from 75 representatives of non-profit groups, local governments, and agencies that are involved in housing recovery on the coast. "I'm here to hear what they think the priorities are. Where can I help with trouble shooting? What can I do to move things faster?" Blessey asked. "Affordable rental is a big unmet need, so how do we solve those problems? I want to hear ideas, too."

Blessey learned about a new problem that was created when Hurricane Gustav flooded dozens of homes, mainly in Hancock County. "One of our biggest priorities right now is trying to find shelter for people who were living in MEMA cottages or FEMA trailers," said Rhonda Rhodes, Interim Director of the Hancock Housing Resource Center. "Those units are being pulled, without those people being given an option for housing."

Blessey's job is to tackle these challenges and help cut the red tape, so more houses can come out of the ground. "I hope to be a central point of contact," said Blessey. "If nobody else can solve their problems, call me. Let me see what I can do and who I can find to solve it for them."

Other problems discussed at the conference included skyrocketing insurance, shelter shortages, and health concerns brought on by homelessness. The meeting was sponsored by the Gulf Coast Renaissance Corporation.