LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Colder air is on the way to central Arkansas, and many are already preparing for the winter weather. However, the unhoused population becomes especially vulnerable when the temperatures dip too low for comfort or safety.
As they look for places to warm up, the Little Rock Compassion Center has reported seeing a troubling trend.
While it’s normal for the center to see more people seeking relief from the cold, more calls have been coming in from newly homeless people.
It’s an unfortunate spike, but not a surprising one according to pastor William Holloway, CEO of the Little Rock Compassion Center.
“We're seeing a lot more people hurting today than we ever have,” Holloway said. “The last few months, we're starting to see a lot of new faces that we've never seen before."
Upwards of 175 people come to the center looking for warmth daily, and Holloway explained that they provide a place to sleep for 150 most nights.
The new faces Holloway mentioned visiting the center are in this situation for the first time.
“What people don't understand is these people are just like you and I, and they don't want to be homeless any more than I do,” he said.
Holloway credits the influx to people being unable to keep up with rising costs.
“A lot of people are on the verge of being homeless themselves because of lack of work, or because of some sort of illness in the family,” Holloway described. “Maybe they're buying different types of medicine. or maybe their rent has increased.”
According to a 2019 CBS news report, most Americans are one paycheck away from poverty. Holloway pointed to rent as the driving force behind this statistic.
“The Little Rock Compassion Center is seeing people that come in, probably making $11 to $14 an hour, but it takes 60% to 70% of their paycheck just to pay the rent,” he said. “So, people are falling farther and farther behind. “
As more people are in need, Holloway continues working hard to ensure the compassion center is there to help.
“We offer three meals a day, a place to stay at night, showers, clothing to people and the gospel,” Holloway said.
Helping people get back on their feet is the end goal.
“We help people find jobs, we help people look for an apartment, I sit down and do a lot of budgeting for different people as they come through,” Holloway said. “I wouldn't do anything but what I’m doing right now, because I love what I do so much, and I know what it feels like
The Little Rock Compassion Center provides 500 to 600 meals per day to men, women, and children and is open to everyone who needs it.