The failure of Jackson, Mississippi’s main water treatment plant has left nearly 180,000 residents in the city and surrounding areas with little to no clean water. Gov. Tate Reeves declared the state of emergency in New York on Tuesday. He stated that water was not available to meet basic requirements like drinking water, flushing toilets, and fighting fires.
The issue isn’t new; The city has been tackling a water crisis for decades, though the town most recently came under inspection in 2016, when officials first found elevated lead levels in a random sampling of homes. Residents were placed under boil water warnings for 215 days in 2021. This year, the notice has been extended to 225 days.
However, the situation has escalated. “This is a very different situation from a boil water notice–which is also a serious situation,” Gov. Reeves said in a statement Tuesday. “Until it is fixed, it means we do not have reliable running water at scale.”
The President Joe Biden issued a declaration of an emergency for Mississippi Tuesday evening and provided federal assistance.
Here’s how to help Jackson, Miss. Residents in the midst of the crisis are:
How can I donate my money?
Mississippi Rapid Response Coalition is a group of more than 30 state-based organizations. They are accepting donations online and aim to raise at least $2,000,000. The donations will go towards purchasing water and reusable containers for water. They also help transport the items to people in need.
Operation Good is one of the local nonprofits that accept donations. The Immigrant Alliance for Justice & Equity of Mississippi is also accepting monetary contributions via Venmo (@IAJEofMS), Cashapp ($IAJEofMS) and Paypal (@IAJEofMS), which will be used to supply water.
The Mississippi Food Network is accepting donations online, as is the mutual aid group Cooperation Jackson, and New Horizon Ministries—which already regularly distributes food and water to the community.
The initiative was also started by local students. MS Student Water Crisis Advocacy TeamThis charity delivers water to those who are unable to do so due to disability or age. Cashapp is accepting donations to the ($JxnWaterCrisis22).
Mississippi Reproductive Freedom Fund is accepting donations for water distribution.
Are you looking for water donations?
Most coalitions ask that you contact them if you’re in the vicinity and wish to give water or supplies.
- The Mississippi Rapid Response Coalition: Email rapidresponse@peoplesadvocacyinstitute.com to arrange pick-up/drop off.
- Operation Good: To arrange pickup/drop-off, call (601) 874 4521 If you live outside the local area you may ship items to Jackson, MS at 39204. But organizers require that you notify them in advance.
- New Horizon International Church: To coordinate your donations, call (601) 371-1427
- Cooperation Jackson: Email cooperationjackson@gmail.com or call (601) 355-7224
How can you help others?
Jackson (Miss.) is requesting volunteers to help distribute bottled water daily. To volunteer, email rapidresponse@peoplesadvocacyinstitute.com.
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