Gulf Pine Catholic

10 Gulf Pine Catholic • August 2, 2024 Biloxi casinos unite to help the homeless with $ 85,000 donation to Mercy Cross Center Bishop Kihneman with employees of Catholic Charities of South Mississippi and representatives of Mississippi Gulf Coast Casinos. Photo/Juliana Skelton BILOXI -- All eight Biloxi casinos have come together to donate a total of $85,000 in cash and kind to the Mercy Cross Center in Biloxi. This collective effort includes Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, Treasure Bay Casino & Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi, IP Casino Resort Spa, Harrah’s Gulf Coast, Boomtown Casino and Palace Casino, and high- lights the gaming industry’s dedication to bolstering essential services and support for Biloxi’s homeless population. The contributions from each casino will directly enhance facilities, expand services, and support daily operations at the Mercy Cross Center. This initiative underscores a shared commitment to sup- porting individuals experiencing homelessness in Biloxi and addressing critical community needs. “Community investment is a key pillar of MGM Resort International’s social impact and sustainabil- ity initiative,” said Beau Rivage President and COO Brandon Dardeau. “Together, with the generosity shown by our Biloxi casino partners, we are able to stand united in support of the Mercy Cross Center and its mission to provide essential services and empower individuals on the coast.” Golden Nugget Biloxi Vice President and General Manager Chett Harrison highlighted the urgent need to address homelessness, particularly in light of challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. “All of the coast casinos have been actively involved in supporting food pantries and similar missions and will continue to do so as they serve a great purpose,” said Hanison. “However, when I learned the new Mercy Cross Center provides essential services not widely available elsewhere, I saw an opportunity to bring the industry together to make an even greater impact.” Harrison continued, “By pooling our resources and support, we can align in solidarity with the long-standing priorities of our city’s leadership and ensure the Mercy Cross Center continues to meet the needs of our community effectively.” The Mercy Cross Center offers crucial services such as laundry, showers, case management, cloth- ing, respite from the elements, goal setting, job searches, mental health counseling and more. The Center partners with Loaves and Fishes who pro- vides breakfast, lunch and a third meal to go four days per week. Community partners also use the space to bring their services to the guests. These services are vital in helping individuals in need move towards stability and reintegrate into society. Since its June 2024 opening, the Center has helped 39 residents move out of homelessness. “We have taken an unconventional approach and it has proven to be making a difference” said Diocesan Director of Catholic Charities of South Mississippi Jennifer Williams. “We treat our resi- dents like guests; creating a culture of mutual respect and preparing them for reintegration into society. We appreciate the ongoing support of the gaming industry and are proud that some of our guests have become employees of area casinos and other businesses.” For info about the Mercy Cross Center, including volunteer opportunities and donation needs, visit catholiccharitieso /southms.org/mercy-cross-center.