Hospitalidad Sin Barreras: A Place-Based Approach to Resource Accessibility for Immigrant Communities in North Mississippi

Author

• Jackelyn Facio, University of MississippiFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-7-2026

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Liberal Studies

First Advisor

Laura Martin

Second Advisor

Albert Nylander

Third Advisor

Andrew Pfrenger

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

This project examines barriers to resource access for Spanish-speaking immigrant communities in Lafayette County, Mississippi. Using a place-based community engagement approach, the project incorporates mixed methods to produce a resource guide for Spanish- speaking immigrants in Lafayette County. Findings showed that access is shaped not only by available services, but also by interconnected barriers such as language, fragmented information systems, and concerns related to trust and safety. These barriers discourage individuals from interacting with formal institutions, resulting in a reliance on informal information networks. In response to the data collected from area residents, the project sought to centralize community input and create a resource guide designed to improve transparency in eligibility and to navigate community resources. While many resource guides have been produced for Oxford-Lafayette County, to our knowledge none exists that breaks down eligibility criteria with an attention towards immigration status and language access. The guide includes design features such as icons to increase comprehension around available services and eligibility criteria. This study highlights the importance of trust, accessibility and local collaboration in order to improve resource access in immigrant communities in Mississippi.

Recommended Citation

Facio, Jackelyn, "Hospitalidad Sin Barreras: A Place-Based Approach to Resource Accessibility for Immigrant Communities in North Mississippi" (2026). Honors Theses. 3529.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3529