Housing Through Collaboration, Dignity, and Opportunity

As a housing authority, we have the ability to provide a safe and affordable home. But we have also learned that housing alone is not always enough. If someone does not have a way to pay a security deposit, establish utilities, maintain employment, or manage the costs of living independently, we can place them in housing only to see them struggle—and potentially face eviction. Strict guidelines can also create obstacles for people who are working hard to become stable. That is why becoming part of One Roof has been a game changer for housing in our community.

Through our collaboration with Restore Hope, Russ Bus, 100 Families, the Russellville School District, local food banks, and many other community partners, we have developed a model where we work together from the very beginning. As soon as someone submits a housing application, we immediately encourage them to enroll with 100 Families.

Instead of looking at housing as an isolated need, our community partners look at the whole person and the circumstances affecting their ability to succeed. While one part of the team may be reviewing a family's budget to determine whether they can realistically afford an apartment, another partner may be helping them pursue education, find employment, obtain transportation, or secure needed household items. The Russellville School District and other partners can help address family needs, while our community organizations help remove barriers that could otherwise prevent someone from maintaining housing.

The result is that when we do house someone, they are not simply receiving a set of keys. They have a support system and a greater understanding of how they will be able to afford and maintain their home. That gives people something incredibly important: confidence, dignity, and self-esteem.

Arkansas Tech University and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center have also partnered with us to help ensure our tenants have access to employment opportunities within the community. This is especially important because many of our residents do not have reliable transportation. Our partners also work with residents and employers to help accommodate family schedules, including the need for parents to be home when their children get out of school.

Earlier this year, we were one of the first housing authorities in the state to sign the Work & Dignity Coalition from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Four years ago, we applied for the Resident Opportunity and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) program, and our commitment has remained the same: to help our residents become stable, productive, and independent members of our community. And we are beginning to see the results.

For the third consecutive month, none of our tenants are receiving utility subsidy checks. They are working. They are thriving. They are moving forward. As far as I know, this is the first time in the history of our housing authority and our team is so proud of the hard work they have put in to assist our tenants in being independent.

We are incredibly proud to be part of the Russellville community and to work alongside the 10:33 Initiative, Restore Hope, the Work & Dignity Coalition, 100 Families, and all of the partners who believe that housing can be more than a roof over someone's head.

When a community works together, housing becomes a pathway—not simply a destination.

Together, we are not just housing people. We are helping people build stable, independent lives with dignity.