HATTIESBURG — Two state laws that went into effect July 1 are raising concerns across Mississippi, particularly in communities where support systems for homeless people are already strained. 

House Bill 1203 prohibits camping on public property not designated for shelter, making it punishable by a fine up to $50. House Bill 1197 requires people who solicit donations obtain a permit that could cost up to $25 per day. 

The laws are intended to limit encampments and panhandling on public property, but in Hattiesburg — where few shelters exist and homeless services are already stretched — nonprofit leaders said they worry enforcement could further displace vulnerable people. 

No shelter, high needs: Hattiesburg’s challenges 

Hattiesburg has 145 people experiencing homelessness — one of the highest numbers of homeless people outside of the Jackson metro area and Gulf Coast, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2025 Point-in-Time Count. 

One of those people is Jarvis Ingram, a longtime Hattiesburg resident who became homeless after the death of a family member two years ago. He now gets showers and meals at the Fieldhouse for the Homeless and sleeps on the streets. 

Cynthia Young, co-founder of the Fieldhouse, said she has already seen growing concern among homeless residents like Ingram. 

“Most of the people that are unhoused right now, they’re saying they’re going deeper in the woods,” Young said. “Some have asked about coming to the shelter — and most nights, we’re already full — and there’s already a need for more shelter for people in Hattiesburg.” 

Ingram said if the law is enforced, it will force people into more dangerous places — like abandoned houses and buildings. 

“(Homeless people) are going to find somewhere to stay,” he said. 

He questions the impact the new laws will have, especially when it comes to fines. 

“If I got charged (a fine), I wouldn’t pay it, because I’m homeless. I’ve got nothing,” Ingram said. “How are you going to charge a homeless person $50? Man, he’s already (living) in the bushes.” 

City addresses concerns

John Arender, Hattiesburg’s chief communications officer, said the city has a dedicated homeless coordinator and a homeless liaison officer within the Hattiesburg Police Department who works daily to connect individuals with services, identify housing solutions and, when necessary, address trespassing on private property. 

“HB 1203 does not significantly alter our operations, but it does extend existing procedures on private property to public property,” Arender said. “That said, camping on public property is not as frequent an occurrence as camping on private property in Hattiesburg.” 

Young said she and her co-workers worry about how the laws will be enforced and what impact enforcement would have if it’s not supported by other services that would help prevent a homeless person from breaking the law again. 

“My concern is that there is nothing for them. There’s nowhere for them to go,” she said. “We do understand that part of city safety, sanitation ­­— but what choices do we have? If it’s just about illegal to be homeless, then what do we do to provide them a place?” 

As for HB 1197, the city has no plans to implement a permit process for panhandling. 

“The city already has an aggressive panhandling ordinance, so no new permitting process will be implemented,” Arender said. “Our focus remains on proactive engagement, connecting individuals to resources and ensuring that public spaces remain safe and accessible for all residents.” 

In recent years, the city launched multiple initiatives to address homelessness, including the Hub City Homeless Outreach Team, a partnership that includes city departments, local nonprofits, health care providers, faith leaders and advocacy groups. 

What the laws allow, what critics say 

According to HB 1203, a 24-hour notice must be provided to residents of a campsite before items are removed. Items with no apparent utility or in an unsanitary condition can be discarded immediately. 

Rep. Shanda Yates, I-Jackson, who authored both bills, did not respond to interview requests for this story. However, during the 2025 legislative session, she told Mississippi Today “The goal is to obviously encourage those who are sleeping on the street to go to shelters or other resource centers. None of us feel that those who are sleeping on the street are getting resources or help that they need. There’s nothing on the street to help anybody there.”

Joshua Tom, legal director of the ACLU of Mississippi, told the Clarion Ledger that the laws could violate constitutional protections — particularly if they infringe on free speech or due process. 

“If anybody’s out in public, and they have a backpack and the police come and just take the backpack and throw it away, that would be a possible violation of your rights,” Tom said. 

He also said panhandling is often considered protected speech — and laws attempting to control what people say in public could face legal challenges.