JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Mississippi’s first LGBTQ+ domestic shelter has opened in the capital city.

Officials said the Jack Myers House took a decade of planning and executing.

“There has been a lot of love and attention for the city and for the state. And there are a lot of community members that have really come together to really help get the Jack Myers House open,” said Jason McCarty, executive director of the Mississippi Harm Reduction Initiative.

The idea started in the 1970s with a man from Pelahatchie. Jack Myers provided resources to those in need.

“They were taken cared of and protected and loved. And Jack’s been doing that his whole life. And that’s why I’m thrilled that they named the center after him or the house after him to honor him while he’s alive, so he can see it because this city owes a lot to him,” said Stan Nichols, the manager of the Jack Myers House.

The house will serve as a resource hub for residents and those who are seeking help in the community.

“Our clients can stay up to 90 days. There are shop placements, there’s resumé building. There is a recovery aspect to it, as well. So if there is a substance use disorder, we can get you back into treatment. We can help you with those aspects. There are support groups for people surviving domestic violence, support groups for mothers of domestic violence,” said McCarty.

The Jack Myers House will hold a grand opening in July.