Eviction prevention in Little Rock benefits from federal grants

Financial emergencies often create homelessness. Yet, several Little Rock organizations are able to prevent evictions by using effective programs that aid local tenants.

(Request from Sondra in Mabelvale, Arkansas) I am getting evicted in less than 10. I have a 2 year old and a 8 day old I am not able to work since I just had a c-section. I don’t have nowhere to go with my boys. I have tried to ask for help but no one can help us.

Dear Sondra,

Pulaski County officials do not want to see your family become homeless. Together with Little Rock local government officials and the directors of numerous small nonprofit organizations that serve your community, they provide the support your family needs to avoid becoming homeless. Here are some of the options available to you, many of which just received grant funding from the federal government in 2014 specifically to help address homelessness caused by eviction.

River City Ministry

The River City Ministry operates HUD Housing Programs that provide an alternative to homelessness. Each client may be paired with a case manager who will evaluate your needs and determine what the best options may be.

Some outcomes may necessitate that you be matched with rental assistance funds, even if those funds come from an outside agency that they refer you to. Other outcomes could include changes to your budget or help getting you moved into a more affordable housing situation.

River City Ministry offers these social services on weekdays at their 1021 Washington location in North Little Rock. Call 501-376-6694 for more information.

Arkansas Cares

Arkansas Cares is a transitional housing program located in Little Rock. It is restricted only to women with young children. This can be a great resource for a household dealing with housing stresses, especially when a recent childbirth is keeping you from steady employment.

You may call Arkansas Cares at 501-661-0720 or visit them at 5821 W. Charles Bussey Ave. Ask about housing counseling and transitional housing opportunities.

BCD

The Supportive Housing Program at Better Community Development (BCD) may be able to provide additional support for preventing homelessness. There is actually a permanent housing facility on site, although the organization also utilizes transitional housing to help families recover from a recent eviction.

A case manager can help you understand what types of services you may be able to benefit from. You may call BCD at 501-663-7221 and visit their 1200 South Valentine office.

St. Francis House Ministries

The transitional housing program at St. Francis House Ministries is geared primarily for Veterans who may have difficulty adjusting from a recent discharge from service. However, there are also many other social aid services available, including food, medication, utility payment assistance access to the health clinic. These services are especially geared towards families who may have already been turned away by other agencies.

If you would like to find out more about how staff may be able to help you recover from a possible eviction, call 501-664-5036 to make arrangements to visit their S. Elm Street location.

GYST House

The Get Yourself Together program at GYST House is geared more towards single men or women who have struggled with alcohol or drugs. While this option may not be for everyone, I am including it for the attention of those who could benefit. Interested individuals may contact GYST House directly at 501-568-1682.

There are additional agencies that may be able to help, so be sure to ask your case manager for a referral if they are unable to provide direct support. While funding is limited, many organizations have recently received federal funding to provide eviction prevention and homelessness care services.