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. ​

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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.