Providence Park is an innovative housing initiative aimed at providing permanent, supportive, and sustainable housing to chronically homeless individuals in a community-driven environment. Emphasizing the importance of meeting basic needs to tackle homelessness at its core, this approach aims to enhance quality of life, reduce societal costs, and foster sense of belonging and stability for its residents. In partnership with Pulaski County and inspired by Austin’s Community First Village, Providence Park plans to house 400 tiny homes with full support services—medical, mental, dental—and income opportunities for central Arkansas’s chronically homeless. It’s a call to action to uplift individuals from the streets into a community designed to empower. 

On Wednesday, April 29^th, Little Rock Stewpot sponsored the first Community Meal at Providence Park.  The first few neighbors have just moved in to the Park. The meal was cooked by Michael, Little Rock Stewpot Manager, and transported to the Park where it was served to about 20 individuals including the neighbors, volunteers, staff, and workers. Michael served chicken and andouille sausage gumbo, buttered rice, rolls, and cookies. The Little Rock Stewpot volunteers from Second Presbyterian Church did the serving and received a tour of the facilities. Little Rock Stewpot hopes this can become a monthly commitment as we reach out to assist a partner agency that is providing permanent housing and supportive services to those who have been chronically homeless in our community. Providence Park has completed 5 tiny homes along with the main building (Harmony Hall), a health care clinic (medical, dental, mental health and lab), an orchard and garden, prayer labyrinth plus the roads and infrastructure for up to 400 homes in the years to come. Providence Park is an intentional community designed to offer health and wholeness to people who have been unhoused for more than a year.

The newest resident is Christine. For the past five years, Christine experienced homelessness, navigating life between hotels when possible, shelters, storage units, Salvation Army and the streets. During that time, her mobility challenges became increasingly difficult, making each day even harder. Despite everything she has faced, Christine carries a powerful perspective: no one should ever look down on people who are unsheltered, because kindness matters. Christine is now in an ADA accessible tiny home at Providence Park and enjoyed the gumbo and rice meal prepared and served by Little Rock Stewpot volunteers.