Susan Gardner, Arkansas Development Finance Authority 
Family Stability

Housing Assistance in Arkansas: Streamlining the Process

Kayley Ramsey

Arkansas is enhancing housing aid for homeless and at-risk families through the HOME-ARP Program and HopeHub software. The HOME-ARP Program serves homeless, at risk of homeless, human trafficking or assault victims.

Accessing housing services can be a confusing and overwhelming process for families, particularly those in crisis. This is why it is important for providers and family advocates in the 100 Families Initiative to have a deep understanding of these processes.

The HopeHub case management software and the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) can make the process more streamlined and improve communication between HOME-ARP and other providers and advocates.

Kimberly Smith of Restore Hope informs employees that streamlining the process with accurate documentation and clear steps is crucial.

Even more important is open communication. Smith says that withholding information can slow down funding.

"We want to house people long term." Smith says. Together, providers can build big goals and a plan to reach those goals.

Smart Justice is a magazine, podcast, and continuing news coverage from the nonprofit Restore Hope and covers the pursuit of better outcomes on justice system-related issues, such as child welfare, incarceration, and juvenile justice. Our coverage is solutions-oriented, focusing on the innovative ways in which communities are solving issues and the lessons that have been learned as a result of successes and challenges. 

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