Arkansas Overview
This page provides comprehensive information about resources, laws, and assistance programs available to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship in Arkansas.
Quick Facts
- State Population: 3.1 million
- Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 2,800 individuals experiencing homelessness (2024)
- State Homeless Assistance Funding: $18.7 million allocated through various programs
- Major Urban Centers: Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Jonesboro
- Primary Challenges: Rural homelessness, limited shelter capacity, high poverty rates, affordable housing shortage
Emergency Contact Numbers
Arkansas Crisis Hotline
(888) 274-7472
Available 24/7
Housing Assistance
(501) 682-3507
Mon-Fri, 8am-4:30pm
Mental Health Support
(800) 273-8255
Available 24/7
Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-7233
Available 24/7
Local Resources
Find assistance in Arkansas based on your specific needs:
The Sanctuary (Emergency Shelter)
Emergency shelter options throughout Arkansas:
Our House
City: Little Rock
Services: Emergency shelter, career center, children's programs, transitional housing
Restrictions: Sobriety required, background check
Phone: (501) 374-7383
Address: 302 E. Roosevelt Rd., Little Rock, AR 72206
Hours: 24/7
7Hills Homeless Center
City: Fayetteville
Services: Day center, housing services, case management
Restrictions: No overnight shelter
Phone: (479) 966-4378
Address: 1832 S. School Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72701
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Salvation Army of Northwest Arkansas
City: Fayetteville
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, clothing, case management
Restrictions: Separate facilities for men and women/children
Phone: (479) 521-2151
Address: 219 W. 15th St., Fayetteville, AR 72701
Hours: 24/7
Compassion House
City: Russellville
Services: Women and children's shelter, case management, life skills
Restrictions: Women and children only, intake process required
Phone: (479) 968-4357
Address: 304 S. Phoenix Ave., Russellville, AR 72801
Hours: 24/7
The Bread of Life (Food Assistance)
Food banks, meal programs, and nutrition assistance in Arkansas:
Arkansas Foodbank
City: Little Rock
Services: Food distribution through partner agencies
Requirements: None for many programs
Samaritan Community Center
City: Rogers & Springdale
Services: Food pantry, cafe meals, snackpacks for kids
Requirements: None
Stewpot
City: Little Rock
Services: Daily hot meals
Requirements: None
Phone: (501) 372-1804
Address: 800 Scott St., Little Rock, AR 72201
Hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-1pm
Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas
City: Jonesboro
Services: Food distribution, mobile pantries
Requirements: None for emergency food
The Healing Hand (Healthcare Access)
Healthcare services, free clinics, and mental health resources in Arkansas:
Harmony Health Clinic
City: Little Rock
Services: Free medical, dental, and vision care
Requirements: Low income, uninsured
Phone: (501) 375-4400
Address: 201 E. Roosevelt Rd., Little Rock, AR 72206
Hours: Tues & Thurs 5pm-9pm
WelcomeHealth
City: Fayetteville
Services: Free medical, dental, vision care
Requirements: Low income, uninsured
Phone: (479) 444-7548
Address: 1100 N. Woolsey Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72703
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Arkansas Crisis Center
City: Statewide
Services: Crisis intervention, suicide prevention
Requirements: None
Christian Community Care Clinic
City: Fort Smith
Services: Free medical care and medications
Requirements: Low income, uninsured
Phone: (479) 452-0999
Address: 4300 Free Ferry Rd., Fort Smith, AR 72903
Hours: Tues & Thurs 5pm-8pm
The Haven (Safe Parking & Camping)
Safe parking areas and authorized camping options in Arkansas:
Note on Safe Parking in Arkansas
Currently, Arkansas has limited formalized safe parking programs. However, some communities allow overnight parking in certain areas. Always check local ordinances and contact outreach workers for updated information.
The Van
City: Little Rock
Services: Mobile outreach, camping supplies, resource referrals
Requirements: None
Phone: (501) 955-3444
Website: itsthevan.org
St. Francis House NWA
City: Springdale
Services: Outreach to unsheltered, supplies for those living outdoors
Requirements: None
Phone: (479) 966-4999
Address: 614 E. Emma Ave., Springdale, AR 72764
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Little Rock Compassion Center
City: Little Rock
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, outdoor living supplies
Requirements: May require sobriety
Phone: (501) 296-9114
Address: 3618 W. Roosevelt Rd., Little Rock, AR 72204
Hours: 24/7
The Living Waters (Shower & Hygiene)
Facilities offering showers, laundry, and hygiene services in Arkansas:
Shower of Blessings
City: Little Rock
Services: Mobile shower unit, hygiene supplies
Requirements: None
Phone: Contact The Van: (501) 955-3444
Schedule: Varies by location, check social media
Salvation Army of Central Arkansas
City: Little Rock
Services: Showers, laundry, hygiene kits
Requirements: None
Phone: (501) 374-9296
Address: 1111 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72201
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-12pm, 1pm-4pm
7Hills Day Center
City: Fayetteville
Services: Showers, laundry, hygiene products
Requirements: None
Phone: (479) 966-4378
Address: 1832 S. School Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72701
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Jericho Way
City: Little Rock
Services: Showers, laundry, mail service, case management
Requirements: None
Phone: (501) 916-9859
Address: 3000 Springer Blvd., Little Rock, AR 72206
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-2:30pm
The Guardian (Legal Aid & Rights)
Legal assistance and rights advocacy in Arkansas:
Legal Aid of Arkansas
City: Multiple Locations
Services: Free civil legal assistance, housing law, public benefits
Requirements: Income eligibility
Center for Arkansas Legal Services
City: Multiple Locations
Services: Free civil legal assistance, eviction defense
Requirements: Income eligibility
Homeless Advocacy Project
City: Little Rock
Services: Record expungement, ID assistance, legal clinic
Requirements: Experiencing homelessness
Phone: Contact through Our House: (501) 374-7383
Address: 302 E. Roosevelt Rd., Little Rock, AR 72206
Hours: By appointment
Arkansas Homeless Coalition
City: Little Rock
Services: Advocacy, policy development, referrals
Requirements: None
Email: arhomelesscoalition@gmail.com
Website: arkansashomelesscoalition.org
Meetings: First Thursday of each month
The Providence (Government Benefits)
Assistance with government benefits and programs in Arkansas:
Arkansas Department of Human Services
City: Statewide
Services: SNAP, Medicaid, TEA cash assistance
Requirements: Income and other eligibility requirements
Social Security Administration
City: Multiple Locations
Services: SSI, SSDI application assistance
Requirements: Disability or age eligibility
Arkansas Workforce Centers
City: Multiple Locations
Services: Unemployment benefits, job search, training
Requirements: Varies by program
Arkansas Community Organizations
City: Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Jonesboro
Services: Benefits application assistance, advocacy
Requirements: None
The Shepherd (Faith-Based Services)
Faith-based organizations providing assistance in Arkansas:
Little Rock Compassion Center
City: Little Rock
Services: Shelter, meals, recovery programs, spiritual support
Requirements: None
Phone: (501) 296-9114
Address: 3618 W. Roosevelt Rd., Little Rock, AR 72204
Hours: 24/7
Central Arkansas Rescue Effort (CARE)
City: North Little Rock
Services: Men's shelter, recovery program
Requirements: Sobriety requirements
Phone: (501) 975-4673
Address: 1201 Cypress St., North Little Rock, AR 72114
Hours: 24/7
Catholic Charities of Arkansas
City: Little Rock
Services: Emergency assistance, immigration services
Requirements: None
Phone: (501) 664-0340
Address: 2500 N. Tyler St., Little Rock, AR 72207
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Salvation Army Northwest Arkansas
City: Fayetteville
Services: Shelter, meals, spiritual guidance
Requirements: Sobriety, participation in programs may be required
Phone: (479) 521-2151
Address: 219 W. 15th St., Fayetteville, AR 72701
Hours: 24/7
Arkansas Laws & Regulations
Understanding the legal landscape regarding homelessness in Arkansas:
Camping & Sleeping in Public
Arkansas state law does not explicitly prohibit sleeping in public spaces, but many municipalities have local ordinances that restrict or prohibit camping, sleeping, or sitting in public areas. The city of Little Rock, for example, prohibits camping on public property without permission.
Relevant Ordinances: Little Rock City Code § 17-13 (Camping Prohibited)
Vehicle Dwelling
Regulations on living in vehicles vary by municipality. Many Arkansas cities have ordinances prohibiting overnight parking in certain areas and prohibit using vehicles as dwellings. Some cities may allow overnight parking in designated areas.
Examples: Fayetteville City Code § 72.04 (Parking Restrictions)
Food Sharing & Distribution
Arkansas generally does not restrict food sharing with people experiencing homelessness, though some municipal regulations may require permits for large-scale food distribution in public parks or spaces.
Note: Always check with local health departments for specific requirements regarding food handling and distribution.
Property Rights & Seizure
Personal property of people experiencing homelessness is protected from unreasonable seizure. Cities must typically provide notice before clearing encampments and must store personal property for retrieval, though enforcement practices vary widely.
Note: Immediate disposal of property may violate constitutional rights.
Housing Rights
Arkansas has minimal tenant protections compared to many states. It is the only state that criminalizes failure to pay rent (Ark. Code Ann. § 18-16-101) and does not have an implied warranty of habitability. Arkansas does not have statewide rent control or just-cause eviction requirements.
State Statute: Arkansas Code Annotated § 18-16-101, § 18-17-101 et seq. (Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007)
Legal Resources
If you need legal assistance regarding your rights in Arkansas, the following organizations can help:
Legal Aid of Arkansas
Provides free civil legal services for low-income residents in housing, benefits, and more.
Phone: (800) 952-9243
Website: arlegalaid.org
Center for Arkansas Legal Services
Serves low-income residents with housing, public benefits, and family law issues.
Phone: (800) 950-5817
Website: arkansaslegal.org
Arkansas Access to Justice Commission
Coordinates statewide efforts to provide equal access to civil justice.
Phone: (501) 492-7175
Website: arkansasjustice.org
Arkansas Homeless Coalition
Advocates for policy change and coordinates resources for people experiencing homelessness.
Email: arhomelesscoalition@gmail.com
Website: arkansashomelesscoalition.org
County-Specific Information
Laws, resources, and regulations can vary significantly by county in Arkansas. Select a county to view specific information:
Pulaski County
County Seat: Little Rock
Population: 391,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 1,200 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Little Rock City Code § 17-13 prohibits camping on public property without permission.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Restrictions on overnight parking in residential areas; some areas prohibit living in vehicles.
- Panhandling: Aggressive panhandling is prohibited, but peaceful requests are generally protected speech.
- Food Distribution: Generally allowed, though permits may be required for large-scale distribution.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Pulaski County:
Washington County
County Seat: Fayetteville
Population: 245,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 400 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Fayetteville has restrictions on camping in public spaces.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Regulated by local parking ordinances; overnight parking restricted in certain areas.
- Panhandling: Some restrictions in specific areas, particularly roadways.
- Food Distribution: Generally allowed with proper permits for public spaces.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Washington County:
Benton County
County Seat: Bentonville
Population: 285,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 350 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Restrictions on camping in public spaces in most cities.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Regulated by local parking ordinances; overnight parking restricted in residential areas.
- Panhandling: Some restrictions in specific areas, particularly near businesses.
- Food Distribution: Generally allowed with proper permits.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Benton County:
Sebastian County
County Seat: Fort Smith
Population: 127,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 250 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Restrictions on camping in public spaces in Fort Smith.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Some restrictions on overnight parking.
- Panhandling: Regulations on aggressive panhandling.
- Food Distribution: Generally allowed with proper permits for large-scale distribution.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Sebastian County:
Craighead County
County Seat: Jonesboro
Population: 110,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 150 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Jonesboro has restrictions on camping in public spaces.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Regulated by local parking ordinances.
- Panhandling: Some restrictions in specific areas.
- Food Distribution: Generally allowed with proper permits for public spaces.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Craighead County:
Success Stories from Arkansas
Read about individuals who have found hope and assistance through GRACE and our partner organizations in Arkansas:
David's Journey
After losing his job during a factory closure, David spent six months living in his car in Little Rock. Through The Van's outreach program, he connected with Our House where he received shelter, job training, and support to rebuild his resume. Today, David works as a maintenance technician and has his own apartment.
"When I was sleeping in my car, I thought I'd never get back on my feet. The people at Our House didn't just give me a place to stay—they believed in me when I couldn't believe in myself."
Resources that helped: The Van, Our House, Job Training Programs
Sarah's Journey
As a single mother of two, Sarah faced eviction after a medical emergency drained her savings. Through assistance from Legal Aid of Arkansas, she was able to prevent eviction. Samaritan Community Center helped with food and connected her to rental assistance programs, allowing her family to stay housed while she recovered.
"When I got sick, I thought we'd end up on the street. Legal Aid taught me about my rights as a tenant, and the Samaritan Center made sure my kids never went hungry. Now I'm back at work and able to support my family again."
Resources that helped: Legal Aid of Arkansas, Samaritan Community Center, Rental Assistance Programs
Have a success story to share? We'd love to hear how resources in Arkansas have helped you.
Share Your StoryState-Specific Programs
Special initiatives and programs available specifically in Arkansas to assist those experiencing homelessness:
ESG (Emergency Solutions Grant) Program
Type: Emergency Housing and Prevention
Eligibility: Individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
Benefits: Rapid re-housing, homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, street outreach
How to Apply: Through local Continuum of Care agencies or by calling 211
Arkansas Homelessness Assistance Fund
Type: Housing and Utility Assistance
Eligibility: Individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability
Benefits: Rent assistance, utility payments, case management, housing navigation
How to Apply: Through county Department of Human Services offices or by calling 211
Arkansas Continuum of Care Programs
Type: Comprehensive Homeless Assistance
Eligibility: Individuals and families experiencing homelessness
Benefits: Coordinated assessment, case management, permanent supportive housing, rapid re-housing
How to Apply: Through regional Continuum of Care entry points - call 211 for local contact information
Arkansas Supportive Housing Network
Type: Permanent Supportive Housing
Eligibility: Chronically homeless individuals with disabilities
Benefits: Long-term housing with supportive services, case management, mental health services
How to Apply: Through local Continuum of Care agencies or by calling 211
Interactive Resource Map
Find resources in Arkansas based on your location:
Enable location services to find resources near you, or select a city below:
Interactive Map Placeholder
In the full implementation, this would display an interactive map showing:
- • Shelter locations
- • Food banks and meal services
- • Health clinics
- • Safe parking areas
- • Hygiene facilities
- • Government service offices
- • Angel Outreach partners