FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Fayetteville City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday, April 2, to declare a housing crisis in the city.
The resolution is titled a resolution to declare a housing crisis in the City of Fayetteville and to summarize the actions taken and participated to support housing production in the city.
Ward 1 Councilmember D'Andre Jones has been heading the effort since last fall. He said he felt confident going into Tuesday's meeting, as the council voted to table the issue 2 weeks ago to combine 2 resolutions and draft a brand new one. Last Tuesday, the council held a special work session to hear the new revised resolution and work out some issues.
"I believe that we are as ready as we'll ever be," said Jones. "Tonight's resolution is shaped by Fayetteville residents. And I don't believe that we can represent the people of Fayetteville without having their input."
The approved resolution includes the formation of a task force that is made up of 7 to 11 subject matter experts from different backgrounds to bring housing solutions to city council. The mayor will appoint the group.
Fayetteville resident Jennifer Cole has lived in the city for 25 years. She's supporting this effort as housing issues have impacted her and lots of people around her.
"I honestly broke out in tears, but it was happy tears," said Cole. "I serve at New Beginnings and at our local food pantry and I see people that are living paycheck to paycheck, about to lose their house. I see nurses and people that you wouldn't expect in these food lines that can't make ends meet."
"I was so joyful to see everybody come together and work together because like I said, this is not the solution, but this is the beginning and we're going to make it better for everybody," said Cole.
Nate Walls, founder of the nonprofit Second Helpings and Fayetteville resident since 1991 said his organization feeds the underserved communities in the area.
"I've seen it go to a great situation to an unbearable situation now with housing," said Walls. "We have people that feels like next month I'm gonna be homeless. Next month, do I pay the rent, or do I just not eat? Next month, do I go without my medication? Those kinds of stories."
He was excited with the council's decision Tuesday, as he believes voices are being heard.
"I think that this show what the city of Fayetteville is really made of because they really listened tonight, but it's not over," said Walls.
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