Back Bay Mission’s Homeless Outreach Meets People Where They Are

Homeless outreach isn’t easy. 

That’s exactly why Back Bay Mission does it.

Homelessness isn’t only about lacking a roof over your head — it’s about navigating a system that often feels impossible to break through.

That’s why, every month, Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Miss., partners with Open Doors Homeless Coalition and local law enforcement to conduct outreach in four Gulf Coast cities.

The goal? To check in with individuals experiencing homelessness, update contact information, and provide essential supplies. A simple phone number update can mean the difference between someone getting connected to life-changing resources or slipping through the cracks.

For Michael Rowan, MSW, Back Bay Mission’s lead housing case manager, outreach wasn’t always something he looked forward to. He attends every single outreach event, and in the beginning, he dreaded it. The days are long, hot, and unpredictable. He found himself walking through mud, exposed to the elements, and often navigating isolated areas. But over time, something changed.

Rowan found that outreach wasn’t just about handing out supplies or collecting information — it was about building trust and relationships.

The core team conducting outreach works seamlessly together, forming a bond through the work they do. More importantly, they’ve built trust with the people they serve, offering not only resources, but a sense of connection to the outside world.

Homeless outreach is slow work. Some people are hesitant to engage, and progress isn’t always immediate.

But every step — every conversation, every referral, every small moment of trust — matters.

The work is challenging, but for Rowan and the rest of Back Bay’s staff conducting outreach, the impact is undeniable. And that’s why they keep showing up.