Homeless Facts
As of January 2020, Arkansas had an estimated 2,366 experiencing homelessness on any given day, as reported by Continuums of Care to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Of that Total, 101 were family households, 188 were Veterans, 262 were unaccompanied young adults (aged 18-24), and 514 were individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. // (United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH), n.d.)
Families are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population, accounting for almost 40-50% of the nation’s homeless. // (Family Gateway, 2022)
In the sample of 138 communities that conducted full unsheltered counts in both 2020 and 2021, nearly half of people experiencing homelessness (46%) were individuals staying in sheltered locations, 37 percent were people in families with children staying in sheltered locations, 15 percent were unsheltered individuals, and three percent were unsheltered people in families with children. // (HUD Releases 2021 Annual Homeless Assessment Report Part 1, 2022)
Homeless Initiative
Central Arkansas Development Council's Homeless Initiative was created to connect Central Arkansas' homeless population to programs and services meant to help them towards self sufficiency.
Not only does the program provide individuals with backpacks containing everyday essentials such as hygiene products, but the backpacks also contain seasonal attire, flashlights, snack packs, and more.
Through our Homeless Initiative, not only are we able to assist individuals and families through CADC programs and services, but we are also able to refer and work directly with our community partners to provide them with opportunities for employment, health services, nutrition services, etc.
What Can You Do To Help?
So...what can you do to help your local homeless population? Not only can you provide monetary donations towards the cause, but most importantly, you can donate your time!
From helping pack CADC Homeless Initiative backpacks to working distributions and Homeless Initiative events, you can do your part to help! You can also work with your local shelters and Homeless Coalitions to assist the homeless population in your areas!
Do your research and see who to connect with in your local areas. There can never be too much help when it comes to alleviating the hardships of others!
If you'd like to donate towards CADC's Homeless Initiative, click the button below! If you'd like to donate your time, contact our office at 501-315-1121.
For all upcoming events, click HERE!
