The Little Rock Department of Housing and Neighborhood Programs hosted an "Unsheltered Event" on Thursday to provide direct assistance to the unhoused community in and around Central Arkansas.
Nonprofits and organizations from around the city came out to meet with people experiencing homelessness, and to connect them with available resources like housing, food assistance, medical services, employment resources, and other necessities such as toiletries and transportation.
The event was set just outside Mosaic Church, located at the corner of Colonel Glenn Road and Asher Avenue. Matthew DeSalvo, Little Rock's Chief Homeless Officer, says the location was intentional.
"This is a high-traffic area, so we wanted to meet the most people that we could where they are. Also, Mosaic Church, the Vine & Village Outreach Program is funded by the city, so we're really trying to build that partnership. Kind of bridge the gap between who they're serving and all the services that they need."
DeSalvo says outside of the obvious need for housing, the largest unmet need facing the unsheltered community is physical and mental healthcare.
"That's usually a bedrock that we want to get people in, even before we get them into housing. So that way, if that is a struggle, they've got all the resources they need to be able to address that once they get into housing," said DeSalvo.
The Arkansas Division of Workforce Services was on site with their largest Mobile Workforce Unit, a large RV equipped with internet access, printers, and assistants who can help people apply for jobs.
The city estimates between 150 and 200 people attended the event. A recent count estimated just over 770 unsheltered people live in Central Arkansas. Jericho Way and others provided shuttle services through their network of vans and buses.
A man named Willie, who did not provide his last name, was one of them. He traveled there on a bus with 13 others he knew and had encouraged others to come out. He says the best part about the event was the spirit of giving.
"People helping people. That's one thing, and it's supplying the needs of people that's in need of a lot of things out here. Everybody seems to be getting what they need, and it don't seem to be a shortage of it yet."
