JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Jackson Mayor John Horhn announced the creation of the city’s Unhoused Task Force.

The task force will be co-chaired by Melvin Stamps, representing Continuum of Care, and Jill Buckley, executive director of Stewpot Community Services. Officials said the group will provide recommendations to the mayor and City Council aimed at identifying long-term housing solutions and improving outreach and safety.

“Homelessness impacts every corner of our community, from our downtown business corridors to our neighborhoods,” said Horhn. “Through this task force, we’re bringing together people who understand the complexity of this issue from every angle, advocates, service providers, and policy experts, to help us design solutions rooted in dignity and opportunity.”

The task force will begin meeting later this month and deliver its initial recommendations to the mayor by early 2026.

Members of the City of Jackson Unhoused Task Force:

• Melvin Stamps, Continuum of Care (Co-Chairman)
• Jill Buckley, Stewpot Community Services (Co-Chairman)
• Liz Brister, Downtown Jackson Partners
• Pat Bennett, Mississippi College School of Law
• Grace Greene, The Net, MDOC Satellite Facility Mentor
• Ledger Parker, Mississippi United To End Homelessness (MUTEH)
• Patricia Reese, Mayoral Transition Team
• Putalamus White, Jackson Resource Center
• Tiffany Jones, Jackson Public Schools
• Wendy Bailey, Mississippi Department of Mental Health Services
• Tamara Stewart, Mississippi Home Corporation
• Stacey Howard, Grace House
• Stuart Tirey, Central Mississippi Realtors
• Merrill McKewen, Habitat for Humanity
• Tim Collins, Mississippi Housing Partnership
• Sanetria Moore, Hinds Behavioral Health Services