17 Mar Revitalizing Mississippi’s Communities Through Adaptive Reuse of Abandoned Properties

By: Attorney Ashley Richardson
MCJ’s Director of Housing Law

The Mississippi Center for Justice (MCJ) continues its work in community redevelopment through the Mississippi Bar Foundation Bank of America Foreclosure Prevention & Community Redevelopment Grant Program. This initiative transforms abandoned and blighted properties across Mississippi into valuable community assets. By providing direct legal services, policy advocacy, and outreach, MCJ helps stabilize low-income communities.

With offices in Jackson, Biloxi, and Indianola, MCJ’s work to support adaptive reuse is statewide. This proven strategy transforms abandoned and blighted properties into stable, affordable housing for Mississippi families. MCJ provides legal services to assist nonprofits and community organizations through the process. These services include title searches, deed preparation, purchase agreements, and real estate closings. Additionally, MCJ will conduct outreach clinics across Mississippi, educating local organizations on how adaptive reuse can be a powerful revitalization tool. MCJ estimates this project will impact at least 45 individuals and families in low-to-moderate-income communities.

Mississippi faces a significant shortage of affordable, stable housing, with thousands of abandoned homes—especially in Jackson, where nearly 12,000 homes remain unoccupied. These properties burden communities, reducing tax revenues, increasing crime, and hindering economic mobility. However, successful models from California, Ohio, Missouri, and Florida show that adaptive reuse can be a game-changer. With the support of this grant, MCJ will help Mississippi nonprofits and neighborhood groups navigate legal barriers, reclaim properties, and create long-term housing solutions that benefit families for generations to come.

Community Impact: Partner and Client Testimonials

Twin Folks Rising has greatly benefited from the work of MCJ. All home repair and new construction projects are for low-income owners. Title opinions and wills are required. MCJ provides these services, helps resolve title issues, and educates our clients about the process. “We can work with poor clients because we have the added blessing of MCJ to cure their title issues. Having a resource to advise about property matters is wonderful to help owners live in decent, safe and sanitary housing.”

Revitalize Mississippi also recognizes the crucial role MCJ plays in clearing legal barriers for redevelopment. “These abandoned properties always have title issues that prevent them from being good locations for redevelopment,” Revitalize MS shared. “MCJ has always been there when called to help turn those properties from problems into productive spaces.”

With thousands of abandoned properties still affecting communities statewide, this grant allows MCJ to continue making a difference—ensuring that discarded properties become opportunities for revitalization, growth, and stability.

Call 228-435-7284 (option 5 for housing) or email housing@mscenterforjustice.org if you are interested in revitalizing properties in your neighborhood or hosting a workshop to learn more about this program.