Building a Stronghold: New Initiatives for Food and Housing Assistance You Need to Know About

If someone in the community is having trouble affording groceries or staying in their home, where should they turn for help? Starkville Strong has been answering that question since it started in 2020. Now, Executive Director Brandi Herrington is excited to announce plans for a new headquarters called The Stronghold, aimed at providing essential services all in one place.

“It’s designed to be a one-stop shop where neighbors in need can access assistance,” Herrington shared. The vision is for The Stronghold to be a central hub, making it easier for clients to receive support through case management and various programs.

In the first phase of this three-year plan, The Stronghold is expected to occupy a 6,000-10,000 square foot space on 5-10 acres of land. Herrington is exploring several potential locations but hasn’t secured a site yet.

Her goal is to create a “comprehensive and holistic” approach for those trying to regain stability and independence. Herrington describes it as a life rehabilitation center—offering help from the moment someone enters the program until they successfully graduate and even afterward.

The facility will include essentials like a food pantry and hygiene supplies. Programs like Second Servings will redistribute food from local restaurants to people in need. There’s also Neighbors Helping Neighbors, where participants can “shop” for food and basic goods every fourth Sunday.

In addition, The Stronghold might provide temporary shelter, sleeping pods, sanitation facilities, and communal spaces. Long-term plans could include tiny homes for transitional housing and a community garden.

To further support clients, Herrington envisions workshops, healthcare access, behavioral support, life skills training, and job programs to help individuals regain their independence.

Herrington also wants to create office spaces for other nonprofits and service agencies, making it easier for clients to find all necessary resources in one place, rather than scrambling around the city.

To bring The Stronghold to life, the project could unfold in phases, depending on whether they build from scratch or retrofit an existing structure. According to a proposal shared on Starkville Strong’s website, they expect to spend around $250,000 for land acquisition and pre-construction, $330,000 on construction, $270,000 on operations, and $150,000 on sustainability and expansion.

Currently, Herrington is busy fundraising, aiming for $100,000 to acquire land, partially covered by a private donor. “We’re gaining momentum now, and it feels like a good time to move toward our dream,” she said.

She hopes to create The Stronghold within city limits, ideally near public transport, although availability might push them closer to the county line. Herrington has yet to approach city or county officials but plans to start discussions soon.

Mayor Lynn Spruill is supportive of Starkville Strong. She often directs people in need to the organization, though she’s not fully aware of their specific plans. She acknowledges that securing 10 acres of land in the city could be challenging but is optimistic about what the organization will accomplish.

Those interested in supporting The Stronghold can send donations directly to Starkville Strong at 109 South Lafayette St., or find more information on their website.

This initiative reflects a growing trend in community support models, where organizations strive to centralize resources. According to a report by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, centralized services can significantly improve access and outcomes for individuals in need, making The Stronghold’s mission particularly relevant in today’s context.

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