“This community has been a really great community, and it just keeps getting better.” -Alonzo Hilliard
For this episode of Community Chats, we are joined by Alonzo Hilliard with Interfaith Compassion Ministry (ICM). He discusses the mission and work of the organization as well as the need for affordable housing in Lafayette County. Tune in to learn more about what ICM does and how you can help push their mission forward in assisting those most in need in the LOU community.
Born and raised in Lynchburg, Mississippi, Alonzo attended the University of Mississippi, moved out to Texas, and finally came back to Lafayette County where he lives with his wife. He has 4 children and 10 grandchildren whom he adores. And while he recognizes how fortunate he is to have his basic needs met, he realizes that there is a large population in our community that does not have the same fortune. That is why he started volunteering with ICM about 5 years ago. “It’s great to give back,” Alonzo says. He wanted to work to ensure that everyone in the LOU community can live comfortably and affordably on a fixed income.
ICM assists those in our community who cannot have their needs met on their own income. Their services include transportation, temporary housing, utilities, counseling, and even school supplies and children’s clothing. ICM strives to help at least 10 families a day by providing these services by screening clients and assessing their needs individually. Over 30 church congregations contribute to this work through donations and volunteer time, but Alonzo says that there is always a need for donations and urges the community to contact them or donate through the United Way.
Along with the work he is doing at ICM, Alonzo is also actively involved in organizations that integrate ex-offenders back into society and in affordable housing investment groups. He discusses the great need for affordable housing in Lafayette County, especially to those on a fixed income. “This community has been a really great community, and it just keeps getting better,” Alonzo says. He goes on to thank the community for all the support it has given to ICM over the past 20 years.
If you would like to learn more about Interfaith Compassion Ministry, you can visit their page on the United Way website or contact them at (662)281-1002. You can also watch or listen to this episode on Community Engagement’s Facebook page, Youtube channel, or on your favorite podcast provider.
Due to poor audio quality, a full transcript is unavailable.
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