Jackson County Relief Council meets to help Moss Point

Amid the confusion of when or if the city of Moss Point may be declared a natural disaster area, Jackson County officials and local agencies are forging ahead with long-term recovery efforts for the city.

The Jackson County Board of Supervisors approved a proposed long-term recovery council last week.

The council met today at the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce in Pascagoula to figure out its first step to help the citizens of Moss Point.

The funds provided by the state for the council are strictly for the materials needed for the rebuilding of homes as money will filter to vendors and contractors.

The relief effort is chaired by Chamber CEO Paige Roberts, who has filled in as a disaster coordinator for the city.

One of the executive members on the council, Tee McCovey of United Way, says the council is there to help those in need. “Anytime there’s a disaster in the area, we will galvanize all the resources in the community from faith-based organizations to nonprofits to business and industry and bring all of those resources to the table. Just you know getting all those resources together with the long-term recovery committee in order to make sure everyone is rowing in the same direction after a disaster.”

Jackson County’s long-term relief council will be in effect unless Moss Point is declared a natural disaster by FEMA.

Officials on the council are now encouraging those who need assistance to reach out to Catholic Charities at 228-701-0555 to begin the process.