Community Development Success Stories

Southern provided grant funding to renovate the dying Main Street in Drew, MS.

Southern worked with several partners to finance and build a $4.5 million health and wellness facility.

Phillips County residents decided that visitors’ first impressions of their county seat should match the new positive direction of their community.

Residents identified the formation of biodiesel industry as a goal in the Phillips County Strategic Community Plan; however, they were unsure how to attract the industry to Phillips County. After Southern funded a $30,000 feasibility study, the numbers compelled a local investor group to capitalize on the opportunity.

Helena’s old Main Street buildings were in danger of collapse. Southern provided the $30,000 matching grant for a $500,000 building stabilization effort on historic Cherry Street.

The residents of Phillips County identified the creation of a Boys & Girls Club as a key objective in their strategic plan.

Southern Place is a $1.5 million low-income housing development of 20 apartments nestled around a large outdoor common area with a gazebo, flower gardens, and picnic areas.

Southern provided $1.4 million in financing along with $400,000 in grants from the Walton Family Foundation to support the KIPP charter school in Helena.