Genesis Church, 205 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
A community town hall-style meeting is set for this week to discuss the city’s recent homelessness and housing situation.
The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13 at Genesis Church, 205 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
The topic will center around a recent decision by the University of Arkansas to remove the homeless encampments on university land in south Fayetteville.
The university plans to clear brush on the undeveloped land, and has told those who are living on the property that they must leave by Sept. 6.
The area has seen an increase of crime this year, according to campus police, who have said that recent incidents have required assistance by at least a half-dozen officers at a time. It’s an unsustainable situation, according to police.
Monday’s meeting will inform citizens of the recent issues and encourage people to “share their time, talent, and treasure to support unsheltered residents,” according to a news release.
“I want our community to know that there are many organizations working together and brainstorming about how to end homelessness in Fayetteville and the region,” said Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan. “I want our community to learn about what these groups are doing. And these groups want to hear from people who have those unique problem-solving ideas and skills, but we also want to hear from those who can help with practical, everyday needs.”
Jordan said the following organizations have been collaborating to address the recent situation: Northwest Arkansas Continuum of Care, 7hills Homeless Center, Salvation Army, Department of Veterans Affairs HUD-VASH program, SSVF at St. Francis House, Serve NWA, HARK Center for Collaborative Care, Genesis Church, University of Arkansas, City of Fayetteville, Fayetteville Community Resources and HEARTH Program, Fayetteville Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Fayetteville Chamber, Northwest Arkansas Council, and more.
Coalition members with the NWA Continuum of Care will hold a week-long fair beginning Monday to help homeless encampment residents with accessing medical care, preparing necessary documents and coordinating shelter.
For more information about the meeting, visit http://nwacoc.com/communitytownhall.
