Jackson, Ms.– The City of Jackson and volunteers from as far as Monroe, Louisiana, have come to the aid of residents living without running water at the Blossoms Apartments, a complex owned by Monroe businessman Tony Little.
At a recent Jackson city council meeting, officials called the situation “unacceptable” after residents endured several days without access to clean water for bathing, cooking, or flushing toilets. Jackson Mayor John Horhn was praised for deploying water tankers and fire trucks to the complex to help flush lines, temporarily restoring some sanitary relief.
Without naming names, one councilman expressed the frustration of many, saying, “You’re not going to piss on us and tell us it’s raining.”
Little, who attended the meeting, attempted to explain the crisis. He said he purchased the complex from another company but has been unable to transfer the water account into his name—a requirement, he says, to secure bank loans.
Jackson Water disputes Little’s narrative, citing a $490,000 debt in unpaid water bills tied to his properties. The water company claims Little defaulted on a payment plan arranged last year and, after issuing a final notice, shut off water service to all of his apartment units last week. Little contests the amount owed and insists he is trying to work with the water company.
Meanwhile, residents are relying on the kindness of strangers. Volunteers across Jackson have donated bottled water to help them meet daily needs. Among the supporters was Monroe community activist Marie Brown, who delivered a trailer full of water collected from Louisiana donors.
Little has not helped residents find other housing or with hygiene issues related to the lack of water in his apartments.
“It’s so sad when you can’t send your child to school because you have no water for them to bathe or wash their face” said Shanquana Hayes, a Blossoms resident.
Jackson City Councilwoman Lashia Brown-Thomas of Ward 6, who personally delivered water donations to the Blossoms Apartments, said several remaining tenants are vulnerable, with some facing serious health concerns.
Mayor Horhn’s office has already secured alternative housing for 20 residents and is working to relocate approximately 15 more.
Little told the council he collects around $1,000 a month from tenants, but more than 20 of his units are unrentable due to a faulty water line—an issue that, he claims, is costing him $20,000 monthly in lost income.
As the city continues to intervene and residents wait for long-term solutions, the outpouring of community support highlights a growing concern over housing conditions and utility access in Jackson’s low-income neighborhoods.
