PINE BLUFF, Ark. — The City of Pine Bluff now has some new resources for those experiencing homelessness.
The updates come as the city's only overnight shelter for men and women prepares to close its doors next month.
"It's a work in progress," Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington said. "We're happy to have come this far."
Opportunity House, a day center, opened last month to help the unhoused find more long-term homes. However, the Salvation Army's overnight shelter is closing its doors in June, leaving some people with no place to sleep.
According to the Salvation Army, the shelter is closing because of decreased donations and a lack of funding.
"It does concern us," Washington said. "We'll start that conversation with Depaul USA and city officials to see when we might be able to help beef up the funding over here so that we can offer overnight services."
The city helped turn the former First Ward Elementary School into the day center. Washington said it's a step in the right direction.
"I think we're going to meet a lot of needs," Washington said.
Opportunity House Christopher Taylor said they currently offer meals, laundry, shower and case manager services. They're open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for breakfast and until noon for other services.
Taylor's goal is to eventually add a 24-hour shelter. He said it's practical since case workers have already had success finding people long-term housing in the short time the shelter has been open.
"We have already housed one individual," Taylor said. "He was homeless for about a year and a half, and within 15 days of coming in and signing up for our services. We've already gotten them into a home."
Although the Salvation Army's shelter is closing, it will continue its other programming and help Opportunity House.
"I sent some toiletries, some hygiene stuff, toothbrushes, toothpaste," Salvation Army Social Worker Donna Oliver said. "He called me and said, 'Hey, I need this,' and I said, 'Sure.' That's why we're here."
The Salvation Army also plans to find hotel rooms for mothers and children on a case-by-case basis.
Corps Officer Rachel Perdieu said all services are available besides the shelter and the church.
"We will still have financial services for utilities and rent when funds are available," Perdieu said. "We will still offer Christmas assistance. So that's Angel Tree gifts for kids at Christmas, such as clothes and toys. We will still have case management, so if someone needs a little extra support connecting to other resources in the community. We have two caseworkers here who will remain and can help connect individuals to those resources."
Washington said adding the services at Opportunity House could benefit the community altogether.
"They do have a place, and maybe even that might build their morale," Perdieu said. "Some of the things they might otherwise deter them from doing are things they won't do, and I think that makes everybody feel safer and have more of a sense of peace."
Washington and Depaul USA hosted a community event Thursday night at Opportunity House to showcase all their services to the public.