USM students provide help to locals

Southern Miss social work students partnered with the Gulfport Library and local organizations to help those in need.

They hosted a resource fair called ‘Finding the Hope in the Library Garden’ where local resources and nonprofits were on-site to showcase the services they provide.

Patrons were given warm socks and scarfs for the winter as well as food bags and treats like soda and candy.

Brandon Terry is a USM graduate student who interns with Gulfport Library to help locals navigate things like job applications.

Terry saw that the library was a safe and accessible spot for people to be and brought the resources to them. “We’ve noticed that sometimes they can’t find the help or get the help that they need based on where they are. So, having them show up here, somewhere that they come frequently, helps them out a lot.”

Congressional Candidate Michael McGill said, “When it comes to our impoverished community they tend to not be able to drive. So, it’s important to inject yourself right where they’re needed the most and this right here, in this area, is a great way to get to the people and get the resources to them.”

Brandon Terry says he hopes to continue community outreach at the Gulfport Library.