Awareness to Action: The Hancock Resource Center

Big Buzz Blog - October 2024

After years of serving the community, the Hancock Resource center just moved into a larger space that will help them provide even more.

- by Kirby Rhodes

Hancock Resource Center's new facility at 887 Washington Street, Bay St. Louis.

This Big Buzz ​is supported by our Partners:

My favorite month of the year is October. The weather starts to cool off, even though it’s still hot. For us on the Gulf Coast, Cruisin’ the Coast unofficially kicks off the holiday season. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, especially with the annual Boo in the Bay parade and Witches Walk. More importantly, though, October is also a month that represents several causes close to my heart.
  
Most people know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But did you know that October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month? Purple ribbons are worn or displayed to raise awareness about the prevalence and severity of Domestic Violence in the United States.
 

 
The Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victimized by an intimate partner. To put that in perspective, if you are looking at a group of 25 women, six of them have been or will be a victim of intimate partner violence. A jarring fact for sure, but something we as a community need to discuss.
 
Domestic violence is not just physical; it can include emotional manipulation and verbal abuse. Abusive partners can be extremely controlling and limit their partner’s access to family, friends, and resources. The Hancock Resource Center (HRC) works to combat these issues and help families get a fresh start by providing housing, supportive services, and advocacy.
 

Classroom facilities in the new Hancock Resource Center location.

 
The HRC offers programs for housing the homeless, housing and employing veterans in need, and providing critical infrastructure repairs or updates to the homes of the elderly.  A full list of HRC’s programs can be found on their website HERE.
 
Also beginning in October, HRC reaches beyond their normal programs to host specialized holiday programs for families in need. These programs include the Salvation Army Angel Tree, Toys for Tots, Teen Angels, and Santa’s Families. Registration for the Salvation Army Angel Tree program has already passed, but Toys for Tots and Teen Angel registration is happening now. The angels and their wish lists will be released soon.
 

 
Help keep Christmas magical by adopting and shopping for a child or family! While some of the requests may seem extravagant, keep in mind that many of these children are hoping to receive some of Santa’s special magic. I know when I was a little girl, I dreamed of getting the latest toys and would be thrilled on Christmas morning when Santa knew EXACTLY what to bring.
 
Young children are easy to shop for, but teenagers can be a little trickier. Most teenagers, in my experience, love receiving gift cards so they can spend the money how they wish. Some good choices are Walmart, Best Buy, Ulta, GameStop, Academy, or any restaurant. Hancock Resource Center accepts toys and gift cards throughout the holiday season to help fulfill these wishes.
  
In addition to fulfilling Christmas wishes, HRC also works to address the needs of recently housed families. These needs are basic home items such as pots and pans, silverware, plates, kitchen towels, bath towels, bed sheets, blankets, shower curtains, pillows, rugs, TV’s, bed frames, mattresses, tables, and chairs. HRC will post specific needs for “Santa’s Families” but will also gladly accept general donations of new, unopened items as well. The need is highest during the holiday season, but donations are accepted year-round.
 

 
Finally, HRC is thrilled to announce their move to a new building. The Resource Center is now located at 887 Washington Street, Bay St. Louis, behind the government annex building. The new building offers plenty of space for HRC to serve the community and respect the privacy of community members.
 
One feature HRC is excited to share of is the community classroom. Thanks to a Coast Electric Round Up grant, the Community Education Center is a room that will be open to the community to reserve for educational classes and after-hours meetings. The room seats up to 25 and is equipped with tables, chairs, a screen for presentations, speakers, and the various other equipment needed.
 
The community will have a chance to see the beautiful new building when Hancock Resource Center hosts a ribbon cutting with the Hancock Chamber in November.
 
For more information about HRC’s programs or how to receive assistance, visit their website at www.hancockhrc.org or follow them on social media. Monetary donations to support the various programs at HRC are welcome and accepted HERE.

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