Fire Relief
Lightning struck one of our aftercare homes in Georgetown, destroying the home. All six residents are safe. Your gift to our fire relief fund helps us rebuild.
Lightning Strike Destroys Aftercare Home in Georgetown; All Six Residents Safe
Georgetown, Miss. · September 3, 2026
On August 27, 2026, one of our aftercare homes, located at 1030 Main Street in Georgetown, about two blocks from our main campus, was struck by lightning during an overnight storm and destroyed by fire. The home has capacity for nine men; six were living there at the time, all part of our aftercare program for alumni and staff. We are grateful to report that all six men were safe, and no injuries were reported.
At approximately 3:00 a.m., one of the men was awakened by the lightning strike. He immediately woke the other five men in the house and helped every one of them get out safely before the fire spread.
The Hopewell Volunteer Fire Department responded, but the fire could not be contained, and the home was destroyed.
We want to be clear: this fire occurred at one of our aftercare homes, not our main campus, which remains fully operational. That said, this home was an integral part of our ministry, and losing it was a real loss for us. What matters most is that every man in that house is safe.
Help Us Rebuild
If you would like to support these six men and help us rebuild, gifts to our fire relief fund go directly toward housing and recovery.
Give to the Fire Relief Fund →
With Gratitude
We want to thank everyone who has given and poured into these men's lives during this difficult time, including:
- Crystal Springs United Methodist Church
- Hopewell Court No. 118, Heroines of Jericho
- Tilton Church, Jayess, MS
- Hux Air Conditioning
- Heart Church of Brandon
- Crossgates Church, Brandon
- Copiah County Medical Center
- First Baptist Church of Brandon
- Brown Bottling Group
- BMSS Advisors & CPAs, Ridgeland Office
And to the many other individuals and organizations, too many to name here, who have poured into these men's lives through prayer, gifts, and support: thank you. We could not do this without you.
Media Contact
Matt Milliman, CEO Mercy House Phone: (601) 213-8536 Email: [email protected]