HOPE Campus partners with homeless adults on their journey to self-sufficiency and permanent housing by providing a safe environment and comprehensive services.
HOPE Campus, the largest low-barrier homeless shelter in its six-county region, offers services to individuals striving to achieve self-sufficiency. At HOPE Campus, there is a simple yet powerful saying: “Hope is always within reach.” Recognizing that everyone deserves a fighting chance at stability, the organization makes every effort to achieve it.
“Homelessness is extremely misunderstood,” says Community Development Coordinator Phylis Savoy. “Most people view the people we serve and assume their current situation is based solely on preventable circumstances.”
Homelessness can happen to anyone, and HOPE Campus empathizes with this reality. Since opening its doors in 2016, men and women from all different walks of life have benefited from the available services.
Guests may stay up to ninety days in the Transitional or Program Dorms. These programs are set up for individuals ready for stability. During their stay, guests are paired with a homeless advocate whose mission is to empower and point the client in the right direction. “Our advocates are here to help, but the real work must be done by the individual. That’s when progress happens,” says Savoy.
HOPE Campus offers emergency shelter beds for those not ready to enter a program or waiting for an open spot. Individuals can sign up for a bed every evening at five o’clock and utilize any available amenities while they are here.
Along with shelter, HOPE Campus offers meals, laundry, showers, salon services, and outreach case management to those in need. These services are funded in part by our community’s generous donors. There are many ways to help that aren’t monetary, such as volunteering, organizing donations, and even teaching a course in a HOPE Cares Class.
HOPE Campus hosts annual fundraisers not solely for additional funding but also to involve and educate the community. The biggest fundraiser of the year, Boots & Bow Ties, will be held at the Bakery District on October 19. It is a great way to get involved and meet like-minded individuals who are passionate about giving back. Tickets can be purchased on the organization’s website.
For more information regarding HOPE Campus events and operations or to schedule an informational tour, contact Phylis, Community Development Coordinator, at phylis@riverviewhopecampus.org.
479.668.4764
301 South E Street, Fort Smith
riverviewhopecampus.org
Next month, we will showcase another nonprofit in our area free of charge. Requests for this free feature will be accepted beginning October 2024. Send inquiries to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com or call 479.782.1500.
