Arkansas offers a variety of emergency homeless assistance programs designed to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. These programs, administered by state agencies and nonprofit organizations, provide services such as emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, and supported housing. Below is a summary of the main emergency homeless assistance programs available in Arkansas:
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program
The ESG program provides funding to:
- Engage homeless individuals and families experiencing homelessness;
- Improve the quantity and quality of emergency shelter for homeless individuals and families;
- Provide essential services to shelter residents;
- Rapidly rehouse homeless individuals and families; and
- Prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless.
Eligible organizations, including nonprofits, may apply for funding to support activities such as community street assistance, emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing, and implementation of the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Compliance and oversight are conducted annually by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA).
Community Action Program for Central Arkansas (CAPCA)
CAPCA administers the Emergency Solutions Grant to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Services include emergency shelter, rental assistance, and case management to promote housing stability.
Care Team for the Homeless of Central Arkansas (CATCH)
CATCH is a nonprofit organization that provides a community-based system to empower individuals experiencing homelessness and at risk of homelessness by providing access to housing and services that meet their needs. Founded in 1995, CATCH collaborates with various agencies to address the homeless situation in central Arkansas.
The Salvation Army of Northwest Arkansas
The Salvation Army serves displaced men, women, and children 365 days a year through homeless shelters, providing a warm and safe place for those with nowhere else to go or in need of emergency shelter. In cities where shelters are not available, financial assistance may be available to cover the costs of emergency overnight accommodations or referrals to partner programs that offer emergency shelter services.
Hearth Program (Fayetteville)
The Hearth Program is designed to assist individuals experiencing homelessness by providing assistance with Permanent Supportive Housing and case management to eligible applicants. This initiative seeks to offer long-term housing solutions, along with supportive services to ensure stability and self-sufficiency.
Lucie’s Place (Little Rock)
Lucie’s Place is an organization in Little Rock that works to provide housing for homeless or at-risk LGBTQ young adults. The organization offers a Transitional Housing Program (TLP) that provides emergency housing and a Drop-In Center that offers services such as case management, food, clothing, and access to showers and laundry.
2-1-1 Arkansas
For immediate assistance, you can call 2-1-1 to connect with local services, including emergency shelter, food assistance, medical care, and other essential services. 2-1-1 operates 24/7 and offers information and referrals to various support programs across the state.
Hotel Vouchers for the Homeless in Arkansas
In Arkansas, various organizations and programs offer hotel and motel vouchers as temporary emergency housing solutions for homeless individuals and families, especially when traditional shelters are unavailable or inadequate. Below is a summary of the main resources that offer such assistance:
- Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC)
- Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program
- The Salvation Army of Central Arkansas
- United Way of Northwest Arkansas
- River City Ministry
- Helping Hand of Greater Little Rock
- Mercy House NWA
- Union Rescue Mission
These programs reflect Arkansas’s commitment to combating homelessness, offering a comprehensive network of services focused on prevention, immediate relief, and long-term solutions.
Official Links:
Rental Assistance – Click Here
CATCH Arkansas – Click Here
HUD Homeless Assistance – Click Here
CADC Homeless Initiatives – Click Here
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