Jackson, Mississippi

Start here: CMPDD Area Agency on Aging — (601) 981-1511

A single free call connects Jackson-area seniors and family caregivers to benefits counseling, in-home care, nutrition programs, transportation, and referrals across every category in this guide.

Federal Nutrition: How to apply for SNAP and CSFP in state

Two federal programs put food and grocery dollars directly in seniors' hands: SNAP (food benefits you can spend at grocery stores) and CSFP (a free monthly box of shelf-stable and canned foods for adults 60+). Both are administered by the State of Mississippi and both are worth applying for even if you're unsure you'll qualify — income limits are higher than most people expect.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

SNAP provides a monthly EBT card seniors use like a debit card for groceries. Mississippi residents 60 and older, including those on a fixed income or Social Security, can qualify — and households with an elderly (60+) or disabled member get a higher asset limit and extra medical-expense deductions that often increase the benefit amount.

• Apply online: Create an account and apply through the Access Mississippi portal (you are not required to gather documents or complete a pre-screen first) Access.MS.gov ↗
• Check eligibility first (optional): A short SNAP Pre-Screen tool estimates whether you'd likely qualify before you apply Eligibility questions ↗
• Apply by phone: MDHS EAE Client Services — 1-800-948-3050 — can also help locate your local Hinds County MDHS office mdhs.ms.gov ↗
• What you'll need: Photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income (Social Security/pension award letters), proof of residency, and housing/utility costs
• Interview: An MDHS caseworker reviews your application and schedules an interview if required; you'll be notified by mail and/or email
• Timeline: Standard applications are decided within 30 calendar days; households meeting immediate-need criteria can qualify for expedited service within 7 calendar days
• Simplified renewal for seniors: The Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) reduces paperwork and reporting requirements for households that are entirely elderly or disabled mdhs.ms.gov/esap ↗
• Help applying: The CMPDD Area Agency on Aging can help seniors work through the SNAP application at no cost cmpdd.org/aging ↗

SNAP income and asset limits are adjusted annually — a benefits counselor at the Area Agency on Aging can give you the current figures and estimate what you'd receive before you apply.

CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program)

CSFP is a separate USDA program specifically for adults 60 and older (no SNAP application required, though you can receive both). Once a month, participants pick up a free box of foods such as canned fruit and vegetables, cereal, pasta, canned meat or fish, cheese, and juice.

• Eligibility: Age 60+ and income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level — confirm current figures with the local agency
• How it's run: MDHS partners with the Mississippi Food Network and local agencies across 39 counties (including Hinds County) to deliver over 13,000 food boxes to seniors each month mdhs.ms.gov ↗
• Local contact: Mississippi Food Network — 440 W. Beatty St., Jackson, MS 39201 — (601) 353-7286 — can confirm the current CSFP distribution site serving Hinds County/Jackson msfoodnet.org ↗

CSFP has limited funding and can have a waiting list in some areas — the CMPDD Area Agency on Aging (601-981-1511) can also help confirm current availability.

State and Local Nutrition: Local meals on wheels, food pantries, community meals, etc.

Home-Delivered & Congregate Meals

The Hinds County Human Resource Agency (HCHRA) runs both home-delivered meals for homebound seniors and congregate dining, funded in part through the regional Area Agency on Aging.

• HCHRA — Home Delivered & Congregate Meals: 258 Maddox Rd., Jackson, MS 39212 — (601) 923-3930 — Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. — home-delivered meals for homebound seniors and congregate dining for adults 60+ hchra.org ↗
• Jackson's city senior centers: Sykes Park, T.L. Love, and Northside Community Centers (see Section 6) may also serve meals as part of daily on-site programming — call ahead to confirm
• CMPDD Area Agency on Aging — Nutrition Programs: Coordinates congregate meals, home-delivered meals, and frozen meal purchase options across the 7-county region including Hinds County cmpdd.org/aging ↗

Meal-program capacity can shift with funding and volunteer availability — call HCHRA or the Area Agency on Aging (601-981-1511) to ask about current capacity and any waitlist.

Food Pantries in Jackson

Free groceries and pantry staples — no SNAP enrollment required. Hours change seasonally, so call before visiting.

• Stewpot Community Services — Food Pantry: 1100 W. Capitol St., Jackson, MS 39203 — Mon, Wed & Thu, 9:00–11:00 a.m.; Tue, 9:00–11:00 a.m. and 1:00–3:00 p.m.; closed Fri–Sun — serves Hinds County households; appointments are required for regular visits, though emergency assistance remains available; bring ID and proof of residence stewpot.org ↗
• Mississippi Food Network: 440 W. Beatty St., Jackson, MS 39201 — (601) 353-7286 — the regional food bank that supplies Stewpot and other Jackson-area pantries; can direct you to a distribution point near you msfoodnet.org ↗
• TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program): A federal program distributed through Mississippi Food Network and local partner pantries — ask any participating pantry whether they currently distribute TEFAP food mdhs.ms.gov ↗

2-1-1 (dial 2-1-1, or contact United Way of the Capital Area) can confirm same-day food pantry hours near you and connect you to SNAP and other benefits.

Elder Care: Caregiver assistance, local area on aging, etc.

Hinds County's aging-services system runs through the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District (CMPDD), whose Area Agency on Aging is the single entry point for benefits counseling, in-home care, and caregiver support across the Jackson metro.

CMPDD Area Agency on Aging

• What it does: Connects seniors 60+ and family caregivers to case management, benefits counseling, in-home care, respite, transportation, and more across a 7-county region cmpdd.org/aging ↗
• Phone: (601) 981-1511 (additional contact: Chelsea Crittle, 601-981-1516)
• Address: 1020 Centre Pointe Blvd., Pearl, MS 39208
• Coverage: Copiah, Hinds, Madison, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, and Yazoo counties — includes all of Jackson

Programs coordinated through the Area Agency on Aging include:

• Case Management — comprehensive needs assessment and service coordination
• Respite Services — temporary relief for family caregivers
• Homemaker Services — help with housekeeping, meal preparation, and laundry
• Emergency Response Systems — 24-hour home monitoring devices
• SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) — free Medicare/Medicaid counseling
• Legal Services — non-criminal legal help (wills, Medicare, SSI matters)
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program — advocacy for residents of nursing and assisted-living facilities
• Adult Day Care, Community Transition Services, and Senior Community Service Employment (job training for workers 55+)

Other Elder Care Contacts

• 2-1-1 / United Way of the Capital Area: Local referral line for benefits, housing, and general assistance in the Jackson metro myunitedway.com/211 ↗
• Mississippi Adult Protective Services (elder abuse/neglect concerns): 1-844-437-6282 — Vulnerable Person Abuse Hotline; anonymous reports accepted mdhs.ms.gov ↗

Transportation: Senior transportation

Jackson's public transit is run by JTRAN (City of Jackson Transit System), which offers fixed-route buses at a discounted senior fare plus certified paratransit for riders who can't use the regular bus.

JTRAN — Fixed-Route Bus

• Standard fare: $1.50 one-way (ages 18–59); a 1-Day Pass is $4
• Senior/reduced fare: $0.75 one-way for riders 60+, Medicare cardholders, and people with disabilities (ID required); a 1-Day Pass is $2, a 7-Day Pass is $7.50, and a 30-Day Pass is $21 ridejtran.com ↗
• Main office: 1785 Hwy 80 W, Jackson, MS 39204 — Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Customer service / downtown office: Union Station, 300 W. Capitol St., Jackson, MS 39207 — Mon–Fri, 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Sat, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Phone: (601) 952-1000 (TDD/TTY: 711)

JTRAN Paratransit

For riders whose disability prevents them from using the regular fixed-route bus, JTRAN offers certified door-to-door paratransit on the same general schedule as the fixed route.

• Fares: $3.00 one-way; a 20-ride booklet is $60. One personal care attendant rides free; children under 5 ride free
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 4:50 a.m.–7:15 p.m.; Saturday, 5:50 a.m.–7:15 p.m.; closed Sundays and select holidays
• Eligibility & application: Disability alone does not guarantee eligibility — the application (with medical certification) must show the disability specifically limits your ability to use fixed-route buses ridejtran.com/paratransit ↗
• How to apply: Submit the application by email (transitstaff@city.jackson.ms.us), fax (601-326-5416), mail, or in person; once approved, schedule an appointment for your Paratransit ID card
• Booking rides: Reserve at least one day in advance (up to 14 days ahead) via the Ecolane app or by phone
• Phone: (601) 952-1000

Other Transportation Help

• HCHRA — Rural Transportation & Title XX Transportation: 258 Maddox Rd., Jackson, MS 39212 — (601) 923-3930 — transportation assistance for seniors, disabled, and low-income residents hchra.org ↗
• CMPDD Area Agency on Aging — Transportation: Ask about additional transportation assistance for community access to services — (601) 981-1511 cmpdd.org/aging ↗
• Non-emergency medical transportation (Medicaid): If you have Medicaid, your managed care plan covers rides to medical appointments — call the member services number on your Medicaid card, or ask the Area Agency on Aging for a referral

• Healthcare Assistance:
  • https://www.healthwellfoundation.org/
• Rx Assistance:
  • https://www.needymeds.org/
  • https://www.goodrx.com/insurance/medicare
  • https://costplusdrugs.com/
• Medicare Rx Assistance:
  • https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/#/pharmaceutical-assistance-program?lang=en&year=2023
  • https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/drug-costs
• Insulin Assistance:
  • https://insulinhelp.org/
• EyeCare America: eligible patients can receive a free eye exam plus a one year follow up for any condition diagnosed in the initial exam.
  • EyeCare America - American Academy of Ophthalmology (aao.org)
• National Institute of Health: provides information for several organizations that can assist with eye exams, eyeglasses, and eye-related prescriptions.
  • Get Free or Low-Cost Eye Care | National Eye Institute (nih.gov)
• National Ramp: provides information and resources for obtaining a ramp.
  • Ramp Resources | National Ramp Home Access
• Paying for Senior Care: provides information for state assistance programs for Durable Medical Equipment.

  • State Assistance Programs for Durable Medical Equipment (payingforseniorcare.com) 

• Veterans Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (Veterans- press 1)
• Adult Maltreatment Hotline: 800-482-8049
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  • https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
• Crisis Services & Suicide Prevention: Dial 988
  • https://988lifeline.org/
• Find a therapist near you: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists?_gl=1*x3iy7y*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjw48TUBhBREiwAK0GnQZuO0hNamNqZlvJkmJHaXgRIPKNmtZCT3jHqxT85b1kkkoj9UyDHNRoC5AkQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAD_gfuxg6_pZY8xE_bJbsGAHGufk2

Housing: Rental assistance, home cleaning and repair assistance, utility assistance, etc.

Rental Assistance

• Jackson Housing Authority (JHA): 2747 Livingston Rd., Jackson, MS 39213 — (601) 362-0885 jacksonhousing.org ↗
• Administers 835 Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) plus 188 Project-Based Vouchers
• Operates 34 single-family Public Housing units
• Family Self-Sufficiency and Homeownership counseling programs also available
• Waitlists open periodically rather than staying open year-round — call or check the website for current status
• Stewpot Community Services — Housing Assistance: Short-term rental subsidies to help people transition from homelessness to permanent housing, with case management support stewpot.org ↗
• Emergency rent help: 2-1-1 / United Way of the Capital Area can screen for whichever local rental-assistance fund is currently accepting applications myunitedway.com/211 ↗

Utility Assistance

LIHEAP helps pay electric, gas, and propane bills, with special provisions for homebound, elderly, and disabled Hinds County residents.

• HCHRA — LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program): 258 Maddox Rd., Jackson, MS 39212 — (601) 923-3950 for appointments (general line: 601-923-3930) — Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. hchra.org/liheap ↗
• Apply through the Virtual Roma system, then attend the required weekly orientation, held every Saturday (except holidays) at 8:45 a.m. at HCHRA's Central Office
• Apply online: Virtual Roma pre-application portal virtualroma.mdhs.ms.gov ↗

Home Repair & Weatherization

• HCHRA — Weatherization & Energy Crisis Assistance: 258 Maddox Rd., Jackson, MS 39212 — (601) 923-3930 — home weatherization and energy crisis assistance have historically been offered through HCHRA's Community Services division; call to confirm current program availability and eligibility hchra.org ↗
• Home cleaning / chore assistance: Ask the CMPDD Area Agency on Aging (601-981-1511) about Homemaker Services — help with housekeeping, meal preparation, and laundry for eligible seniors cmpdd.org/aging ↗

No Habitat for Humanity chapter serving Jackson was independently confirmed for this guide — the Area Agency on Aging and HCHRA are the best starting points for home-repair and weatherization help.

Enrichment: Senior centers, community activities, etc.

The City of Jackson operates three senior/community centers, each offering a full slate of daytime activities for residents 60 and older who live within Jackson city limits.

Sykes Park Community Center

• Address / phone: 520 Sykes Rd., Jackson, MS 39212 — (601) 960-2161 — Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Aerobics, arts & crafts, ceramics, cooking demonstrations, dancing
• Beginner computer classes, bingo, bridge, gardening
• Field trips, movie screenings, nutrition education, pool access, sewing, health awareness programs

T. L. Love Community Center

• Address / phone: 2912 Holmes Ave., Jackson, MS 39213 — (601) 960-2160 — Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Aerobics, arts & crafts, ceramics, checkers/dominoes, cooking demonstrations
• Beginner computer classes, bingo, bridge, line dancing, cultural events
• Field trips, gardening, library access, movies, nutrition education, pool access, sewing/quilting

Northside Community Center

• Address / phone: 104 E. Northside Dr., Jackson, MS 39206 — (601) 960-2166 — Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Aerobics, arts & crafts, ceramics, checkers/dominoes, cooking demonstrations, devotional services
• Beginner computer classes, bingo, bridge, cultural events, line dancing
• Field trips, gardening, library access, movies, nutrition education, pool access, sewing/quilting

All three centers require participants to be 60+, live within Jackson city limits, and complete a brief assessment before joining select programs.

Other Enrichment Options

• CMPDD Area Agency on Aging — Senior Community Service Employment: Job training and paid community-service placements for workers 55+ cmpdd.org/aging ↗
• Jackson/Hinds Library System branches often host free classes, tech-help sessions, and book clubs open to seniors
• Faith communities across Jackson (including several of the pantry hosts in Section 2) often run their own senior fellowship groups and outings
• AARP's Mississippi chapter may offer additional classes or health/wellness programming for older adults — the Area Agency on Aging can help with a referral

Quick-Reference Directory

Every organization in this guide, in one place — call the first number when in doubt, or tap the link to open the website.

This guide was compiled in September 2026 from public sources and organization websites. Programs, hours, funding, and eligibility rules change — please call ahead to confirm before a visit or application, especially for waitlisted programs like Section 8 housing and CSFP.