An abandoned building on Highway 49 is being repurposed into the Mississippi Hub Complex, a support center offering food, hygiene and counseling to the unhoused community in Hattiesburg.
The renovation project is being led by Diamond Excursion Ladies Edition, a nonprofit focused on outreach and empowerment. Though still early in its transformation, organizers say they’re focused on building a space where people can feel safe, seen and supported.
The Mississippi Hub Complex will act as a day center for the unhoused population, providing hot meals, showers, laundry facilities, legal services and mental health counseling – all at no cost.
“We just try to meet people where they are and get them in an environment that is safe, where they want to open up to receive the services that they feel they need or want,” said Reona Burnett, the founder of the project.
The complex will also include a bistro and events space to help fund operations and create job opportunities for individuals looking to transition back into the workforce.
Transportation will be available to and from the complex to reduce barriers to access.
“That’s what we’re trying to do here,” Burnett said. “Just trying to get people in a better situation where they can transition back into society, and they can thrive.”
The full renovation is expected to take about three years, but for now efforts are focused on creating functioning showers and office spaces for early outreach and support.
As part of National Volunteer Week, people from the community have already begun clearing out the building. Among them is Cody Thaggard, who said the work being done feels meaningful.
“I hope it will be somewhere that meets the people in need where they’re at,”
Thaggard said. “Something so that they can improve their lives and give them the resources
to put in the work.”
Organizers hope the Mississippi Hub Complex will become a lasting resource that empowers people to rebuild their lives – one step at a time.
