One-Time Emergency Help for Families in Crisis

Open Eyes provides one-time emergency assistance for families in crisis across Ellisville, Laurel, Hattiesburg, Meridian, McGhee, Purvis, and nearby communities. Our help covers a range of urgent needs, including groceries, doctor and medical fees, and utility payments.

We cover a broad range of emergency needs, including groceries, medical or doctor fees, utility payments, and other crisis-related expenses. All funds are paid directly to the supplier or service provider, never handed out as cash.

We serve individuals and families experiencing an immediate crisis who are not already receiving food stamps, federal subsidies, or ongoing government aid. We also assist people referred to us by a partnering nonprofit organization, regardless of their benefit status.

No. Our ministry is designed specifically for one-time emergency and crisis needs, not chronic or recurring assistance. If you are facing a sustained hardship, we can point you toward organizations better suited to long-term support.

Assistance is limited to one time per year, per household. Our focus is on bridging a single gap during an acute crisis rather than providing ongoing support.

You can apply through our online form, which can be completed by the person in need or by a referring organization acting on their behalf. Choose Apply for Help to apply for yourself, or Refer Someone to submit a request for another person.

Yes. A caseworker, nonprofit partner, or other advocate can submit an application on behalf of a family or individual in crisis. This is actually one of the primary ways people are connected to our services. If you submit a form for someone else, you confirm that you have their knowledge and permission to share their information.

No. We do not provide money, cash, or gift cards directly to individuals. All payments are made directly to the vendor, utility company, doctor, or service provider on the client's behalf.

Grocery assistance is fulfilled through a partnering vendor, where the recipient picks up food directly. No cash changes hands, so the support goes straight to meeting the immediate need.

Yes. Partnering with other nonprofits is a cornerstone of what we do. We function as a gap-filling ministry, so organizations serving families in crisis in areas like Hattiesburg, Meridian, and Purvis can refer clients to us when an emergent need falls outside what they can cover. We can also make payments directly to another nonprofit when those funds address a verified, immediate need for a client they are serving.

Generally, our services are for people not already receiving federal aid such as food stamps or subsidies. However, if a qualifying nonprofit refers you to us, we can still evaluate your emergency need and potentially assist.

You can become a monthly giver, make a one-time donation, or support an upcoming fundraiser or event. Every gift goes directly toward meeting a real, immediate need for a neighbor in crisis.