LOU Community Support for those affected by COVID-19

There are many different ways you can seek support and reach out to others as our community responds to COVID-19. This page is regularly updated with new methods of support. Contact the McLean Institute at mclean@olemiss.edu if you or your organization have a service to add.

Information and Support Hotlines 

MS Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline

Statewide   l   Monday – Friday   l   8 am – 5 pm

The Mississippi Department of Health has activated the MS COVID-19 hotline to answer questions from the general public on weekdays from 8 am – 5 pm. The hotline number is 1-877-978-6453. For up to date information, call the hotline or check the MSDH website.

Serving Oxford Hotline  

Oxford and Lafayette County  

Churches located throughout Oxford and Lafayette County have partnered to set up a hotline for individuals over the age of 60 as well as those that have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or other health conditions that increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. Through this hotline, you can request assistance with grocery or prescription delivery and be directed to more information about COVID-19. The Serving Oxford hotline number is 662-238-2793.  

 

Nutrition Assistance

ATSLM Emergency On-Call Food Pantry 

Lafayette County   l   485 CR 303, Taylor, MS  38673   l   662-380-3587 

The Abundant Truth Salt and Light Ministry Food Pantry serves the homeless, disabled, elderly, anyone who is waiting to receive food stamps, and people who have lost employment in Lafayette County.  The ATSLM Pantry tries to supply up to 2 weeks of food. Patrons will need a photo ID.   

If you like to donate, you can drop off items at 485 CR 303, Taylor, MS  38673 on Wednesdays from 5 – 7 pm. You can also call 662-380-3587 to arrange another time to schedule a drop-off. A list of items that the ATSLM Emergency Food Pantry needs is below.  

-Canned and frozen vegetables 

-Canned fruit 

-Frozen items like pizzas, fish sticks, hot pockets, frozen chicken nuggets, and frozen breakfast items.  

–Beef jerky 

–Vienna sausages 

-Granola/fruit bars 

-Mashed potatoes 

–No macaroni please 

Lafayette County School District Food Pick Ups 

Lafayette County   l   Monday – Friday   l   9 am – 11 am 

Lafayette County School District will be providing food pick up locations for all students. The meals include breakfast and lunch. Any child ages 1-18 may get meals. Meals will not be for sale and are only available to children. 

Meals can be picked up from the locations below between 9 am – 11 am on weekdays. Locations are subject to change. Visit their website to keep updated. 

– Abbeville location: Abbevile Baptist Church 

– Harmontown location: Harmontown Fire Department 

– Paris location: Paris Fire Department 

– Philadelphia location: Philadelphia Fire Department 

– Denmark location: Denmark Store 

– Taylor location: Taylor Grocery parking lot 

– Anchor location: Anchor Baptist Church 

– Yocona location: New Prospect Baptist Church 

– Oxford location: Lafayette County High School parking lot 

– College Hill location: Montessori School 

Oxford School District Meal Pick Ups 

Oxford and Lafayette County   l   Monday – Friday   l   9 am – 12 pm 

The Oxford School District will continue to provide nutritious meals to students during the temporary closure of schools in six locations throughout the Oxford-Lafayette community. OSD will provide free meals on weekdays from 9 am – 12 pm for all children (18 years of age and under). Adults can also purchase meals for $2 at these locations.  

Students do not need to enter a building for pick-up. Families should look for an OSD school bus in the parking lot at each location. Meals will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Because this is a U.S. Department of Agriculture program, Lafayette County School students and families may also take advantage of these nutritious meals.  

Meals can be picked up from the locations below between 9 am – 12 pm. Locations are subject to change. Visit oxfordsd.org/covid19 for updates. 

– Oxford Middle School (222 Bramlett Boulevard) 

– CB Webb Townhomes (900 Molly Bar Road) 

– Brittany Woods Subdivision (Hwy 6) 

– Wayne Johnson Apartments (2223 Delores Drive) 

– Western Hills Area (Near Anchorage Road) 

– Oasis Church (861 MS-6 West) 

– Springhill Area at Our Store Grocery (71 CR 105) 

 

Income Support 

Grants for Artists and Restaurant Workers – Yoknapatawpha Arts Council  

LOU Community 

The J.E. Pitts Artist Fund will give small, monthly grants to artists and restaurant workers who need help covering their bills. The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council recognizes that many of the creative voices in the LOU community are employed in the food service industry and that many of the arts’ most ardent and generous donors are local restaurants and their employees. Visit their website to apply for to give to the grant. Keep updated by following the YAC on Facebook @YoknapatawphaArtsCouncil.

Mississippi Department of Employment Security benefits

Statewide 

The Mississippi Department of Employment Security has modified its existing unemployment compensation rules to allow workers to file a claim for unemployment benefits if they have been quarantined by a medical professional or a government agency, laid off or sent home without pay for an extended period by their employers due to COVID-19 concerns, diagnosed with COVID-19, or caring for an immediate family member who is diagnosed with COVID-19.  

To file an Unemployment Claim, visit the MDES website at www.mdes.ms.gov or call the MDES Contact Center at 1-888-844-3577. 

On-line filing is encouraged. A claim may be filed on-line at www.mdes.ms.gov twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

Move On Up Mississippi Emergency Fund  

Lafayette County  

If you have lost your job because of this public health crisis, been quarantined under a doctor’s order, or been diagnosed with COVID-19, Move On Up Mississippi is here to help with access to food. Please download the assistance application by visiting http://moveonupms.org/covidhelp/. Send your completed application to COVIDhelp@moveonup.org.  

If you are an individual or part of an organization that would like to assist either financially or with your time and energy, please email COVIDhelp@moveonupms.org with the subject line HERE TO HELP. If you any any questions related to assistance, donations or volunteering, please email COVIDhelp@moveonupms.org. 

Stay @ Home Festival – Yoknapatawpha Arts Council  

LOU Community 

In an effort to help local artists and arts organizations that have lost revenue due to the COVID-19 causing performances to be canceled, the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council is launching Stay@Home Festival. This event will feature artists of a variety of disciplines live streaming performances from their homes. The live streams will have an option for participants to tip, with the first tip always coming from YAC. Learn more and apply to perform by visiting their website and by following the YAC on Facebook @YoknapatawphaArtsCouncil and Instagram @yacartscouncil.  

 

Support for Small Businesses and Nonprofits

LOFT Grant for Lafayette-Oxford Nonprofits 

Lafayette-Oxford 

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Lafayette Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow (LOFT) is immediately opening the 2020 grant cycle for nonprofit organization serving Oxford and Lafayette County. The 2020 grant application can be found at http://loftms.org/grants/. This year the application guidelines have changed to support the current situation and operational needs of local nonprofits. $35,000 in grants are available for Oxford and Lafayette County nonprofits. Contact Jody Holland at loftdirector@gmail.com or 662-418-1936 if you have any questions.  

Small Business Association Economic Injury Disaster Loans  

Statewide 

The SBA just declared our area a disaster area, so you can now apply for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans. The EIDL is a low-interest, fixed-rate loan that can provide up to $2 million in assistance for a small business. SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDLs) funds come directly from the U.S. Treasury. Applicants apply directly to SBA’s Disaster Assistance Program. Learn more by visiting https://oxfordms.com/coronavirus-small-business-resources/. 

 

General Support 

Mutual Aid Spreadsheet from UM SASI 

University and Lafayette-Oxford Community 

The UM chapter of SASI has created a spreadsheet to coordinate support in the LOU community.
Anyone who is experiencing an insecurity in housing, transportation, food, physical and emotional
health, child care, pet care, etc. can list their need in the appropriate page in the spreadsheet. Those
who have resources available and are willing to share with another community member in need can
add that to the spreadsheet as well. Access the Mutual Aid spreadsheet here.

Restaurant Workers Relief Center  

Oxford   l   Dodo’s Pizza, 614 Jackson Ave E   l   4 pm – 9 pm daily 

Dodo Pizza in Oxford created the Restaurant Workers Relief Center, which will help support the many restaurant workers that are facing unemployment or reduced income due to COVID-19. The goal of the RWRC is to provide hot meals, toiletries, cleaning supplies, diapers, personal hygiene items and more to restaurant workers. The Relief Center will be open 4 pm – 9 pm daily and serve laid-off workers of all restaurants in Oxford.  

You can help by donating the following. Donations can be dropped off at any time of the day on the porch of Dodo’s Pizza, located at 614 Jackson Avenue East.  

-Non-perishable food 

-Various hygiene items 

-Various baby care items (like diapers and formula) 

-Monetary donations 

Keep updated on their inventory and more by following the Restaurant Workers Relief Center on Facebook.

Transit Assistance from Oxford-University Transit  

Oxford City Limits  

Oxford city residents that have urgent transit needs but do not live close to a bus stop on the bus lines that are currently operating can call the Oxford-University Transit office at 662-234-3540, and they will try to accommodate your needs. Get information about bus routes, schedules, and more by visiting the O.U.T website and by following them on Facebook @OUTransit. 

 

Give Support 

ATSLM Emergency On-Call Food Pantry 

Lafayette County   l   485 CR 303, Taylor, MS  38673   l   662-380-3587 

The Abundant Truth Salt and Light Ministries (ATSLM) Food Pantry serves the homeless, disabled, elderly, those waiting to receive food stamps, and those who have lost employment in Lafayette County.  The ATSLM Pantry tries to supply up to 2 weeks of food. Patrons will need photo ID.   

If you like to donate, you can drop off items at 485 CR 303, Taylor, MS  38673 on Wednesdays from 5 – 7pm. You can also call 662-380-3587 to arrange another time to schedule a drop off. Below are a list of things that the ATSLM Emergency Food Pantry needs.  

-Canned and frozen vegetables 

-Canned fruit 

-Frozen items like pizzas, fish sticks, hot pockets, frozen chicken nuggets, and frozen breakfast items.  

-Beef jerky 

-Vienna sausages 

-Granola/fruit bars 

-Mashed potatoes 

–No macaroni please 

Donate to the Doors of Hope Transition Ministries  

Oxford-Lafayette 

Doors of Hope Transition Ministries helps families through financial crises. They work with families who are currently homeless or who at imminent risk of losing their homes. During this health crisis, they are also assisting those who have lost their jobs or have experienced a reduction in hours with rent and utilities. Visit their website https://doorsofhopeoxford.org to see if you or someone you know are eligible for assistance.  

There are several ways you can help support the work of Doors of Hope. You can donate funds via PayPal and Venmo, donate grocery store gift cards, or donate household supplies. All donations go directly to the families. Gift cards and household supplies need to be mailed or dropped off at the First Presbyterian Church’s front office, located at 924 Van Buren Avenue in Oxford. 

Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme2/doorsofhope 

Venmo: @Doorsofhope-ox 

Learn more by visiting their website, https://doorsofhopeoxford.org. You can also keep updated by following them on Instagram @dohtmoxford and on Facebook.  

Move On Up Mississippi Emergency Fund  

Lafayette County  

If you have lost your job because of this public health crisis, been quarantined under a doctor’s order, or been diagnosed with COVID-19, Move On Up Mississippi is here to help with access to food. Please download the assistance application by visiting moveonupms.org. Send your completed application to COVIDhelp@moveonup.org.  

If you are an individual or part of an organization that would like to assist either financially or with your time and energy, please email COVIDhelp@moveonupms.org with the subject line HERE TO HELP. If you have any questions related to assistance, donations, or volunteering please email COVIDhelp@moveonupms.org. 

Restaurant Workers Relief Center  

Oxford   l   Dodo’s Pizza, 614 Jackson Ave E   l   4 pm – 9 pm daily 

Dodo pizza in Oxford created the Restaurant Workers Relief Center which will help support the many restaurant workers that are facing unemployment or reduced income due to COVID-19. The goal of the RWRC is to provide hot meals, toiletries, cleaning supplies, diapers, personal hygiene items and more to restaurant workers. The Relief Center, loc will be open 4 pm – 9 pm daily and serve laid off workers of all restaurants in Oxford.  

You can help by donating the following. Donations can be dropped off at any time of the day on the porch of Dodo’s Pizza, located at 614 Jackson Avenue East.  

-Non-perishable food 

-Various hygiene items 

-Various baby care items (like diapers and formula) 

-Monetary donations 

Keep updated on their inventory and more by following the Restaurant Workers Relief Center on Facebook. 

UM Rebel Relief Fund  

University of Mississippi  

The Rebel Relief Fund serves the most emergent needs in the crisis, in any area of the University. Visit https://ignite.olemiss.edu/rebelrelief to learn more and donate to the Rebel Relief fund, which supports the campus food bank, student emergency fund, health center, counseling center, and academic support teams. 

United Way COVID-19 Fund  

Oxford-Lafayette 

The United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County (UWOLC) has established a COVID-19 fund to help provide short term relief to individuals and families living in Lafayette County who have been affected by COVID-19. The contributions received through this fund will be granted to a nonprofit organization(s) that will provide direct assistance to those impacted on a case-by-case basis.  

Donations to the fund can be made online at https://www.unitedwayoxfordms.org/covid19 or checks can be mailed to the UWOLC at 440 N. Lamar Blvd., Suite 5, Oxford MS 38655. Please be sure to include “COVID-19 Fund” in the check memorandum so your contribution will be applied to the fund. Learn more by visiting https://www.unitedwayoxfordms.org/covid19 and keep updated by following UWOLC on Facebook @UWOxfordMS. Please direct questions regarding this fund to info@unitedwayoxfordms.org. 

 

Keep Updated 

Lafayette-Oxford Updates  

To keep updated with updates related to COVID-19 in Oxford visit oxford.ms.net and for updates for Lafayette County visit lafayettems.com. You can also keep updated by following the City of Oxford on Instagram @cityofoxfordmississippi and Facebook @CityofOxford and Lafayette County on Facebook @lafayettecounty.   

State of Mississippi Updates  

To keep updated with updates related to COVID-19 in our state, please visit coronavirus.ms.gov or call the MS coronavirus hotline at 877-978-6453. You can also follow the Mississippi Department of Health on Instagram and Facebook @msdotgov. 

University of Mississippi Updates  

To keep updated with updates related to COVID-19 at the University of Mississippi, please visit coronavirus.olemiss.edu. You can also follow the University of Mississippi on Instagram and Facebook @olemiss.