"IMPACT THE CHOICE"
When the reality of life causes you to face difficult times and make hard choices, Love Abounds' goal is to offer a "hand up" and impact that choice to empower, instill hope, provide resources, and forward movement.
OUR FOUNDER'S STORY
Turning Interest Into Action
In Oxford, Mississippi, a town revered for its historic homes and cultural vibrancy, the issues of homelessness and affordable housing often remain hidden from view. Not so for resident Regarner Thompson. Thompson grew up in the public housing complex, Riverside. Her mom, who worked two jobs her entire life, never owned a home, and could not always guarantee the electric bill would be paid. Now a successful nurse practitioner and executive of a Fortune 500 home health hospice company, Thompson sought out ways to bring affordable housing to Oxford.
Her efforts began in 2017, when Riverside, her old home, was demolished and its longtime residents were given section 8 vouchers not widely accepted in town. Thompson and her husband, Mike, intervened, creating, "Mary Bea's Homes." Named in honor of their mothers, Mary Buford McEwen and Bernice "BeaBea" Hickman Thompson, the rental property company buys homes in the area and rents them at prices determined by need.
Post pandemic, Thompson lighted upon a new but related problem: transitional homelessness. Despite the popular misconception that homelessness is a chronic condition, the most common type of homelessness is transient and spurred by a major life change or catastrophic event. "The people who are homeless, it might surprise you. You know, it's not always people who are destitute, at least, not at the start. It's an 18 year old aging out of the foster-care system; a mother escaping an abusive situation; someone transitioning to a new job, a hard worker, but one who has missed two paychecks," Thompson said.
The Thompsons' newest venture, a 501c3 nonprofit called "Love Abounds," will provide short-term transitional housing for locals at risk of becoming homeless. They have procured two residences that they renovated themselves. Admisson and timeline are granted based on an interview process that requires approval from 3 of 5 board members.
Studies have long shown that short-term stable housing can play a crucial part in breaking the cycle of homelessness; in fact, it has been shown to be the only significant solution to the homelessness-jail cycle. By offering individuals a safe place to call their own, Love Abounds hopes to empower those who have fallen on hard times.
To that end, Love Abounds will partner with social workers and other programs in the area to connect aid recipients with important resources like financial, health, and workforce education.
"MORE AMERICANS ARE AT RISK OF EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS THAN EVER BEFORE."
MISSION
INSPIRE TO DO
Love Abounds Non-Profit was created to serve the Lafayette, Oxford, and University (LOU) Community with the purpose to address poverty and disproportional populations, promote economic and community development, assist with short-term housing needs, offer education in workforce, health care and financial wellness while also improving culture towards equity and inclusion.
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VISION
INSPIRE TO BE
Love Abounds seeks to provide education towards life skills to garner opportunity to employment and work force readiness, homebuyer education, health and wellness r/t medication management, managing chronic illness with lifestyle changes, and financial literacy to youth, adults and vulnerable populations by offering community events throughout each year.
Love Abounds will provide housing access through rental agreements to provide short stay for individuals or families suffering from (1) Aging Out of Foster Care (2) Homeless or (3) Safe Space. The length of stay will be dependent upon the need with documented and agreed attestation to the duration upon entry to property, not to exceed more than consecutive 30 days.
Love Abounds plans to partner with other organizations throughout the LOU community to be strategic in needs to provide a meaningful, impactful support model toward advocacy.
GOAL
INSPIRE TO ACHIEVE
Love Abounds aspires to become a pivotal conduit for the LOU Community in serving many diverse populations to create opportunities towards transitional housing, self-empowerment, education, and economic development to improve quality life and sustainability.
MEET OUR TEAM
Where Passion and Dedication Meet
Since our founding in 2023, Love Abounds has developed and grown exponentially. We’re very proud of the expertise of our staff and their abilities to contribute their own unique experience and skills to our success. Board members play a significant role by contributing to the culture, strategic focus, and financial sustainability as well as advocacy at Love Abounds.
REGARNER THOMPSON
President & CEO
Co-Owner of Mary Bea's Homes, LLC, Regarner seeks opportunities within the local community for service, promotes fundraising, PR, and media as well as partnering with community, state and national providers for resources and grants. With over 30+ years of health care experience and currently serving as a health care executive as Senior Vice President, she manages portfolios over 22 states in the US while handling fiscal responsibilities.