Arkansas

Arkansas homelessness-assistance organizer fears U.S. Supreme Court decision banning outdoor sleep • Arkansas Advocate

Published

2 years ago

June 28, 2024

Arkansas homelessness-assistance organizer fears U.S. Supreme Court decision banning outdoor sleep • Arkansas Advocate

A Friday decision from the U.S. Supreme Court allowing local governments to prohibit people experiencing homelessness from sleeping outside sparked fear in one homelessness-assistance leader in Central Arkansas.

“I feel a lot of things: Fear, outrage, shame, anger,” said Aaron Reddin, founder of The Van. “… Mostly fear. I don’t trust our governments locally, and I’m just afraid of them having more sway in what they can and can’t go out and do to these folks.”

The Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision split on ideological lines with conservative members arguing that homelessness is a complex issue that should be left up to local authority. Liberal members opposed the Oregon city’s ordinance, and said it criminalized being homeless by including fines and potential jail time for repeat offenders who camp or sleep outdoors.

U.S. Supreme Court sides with Oregon city, allows ban on homeless people sleeping outdoors

“People debate it, but I am 100% a housing first guy,” Reddin said. “I cannot help people when I can’t find them. …It’s hard to serve those folks because you spend tremendous amounts of time looking for folks. …It takes a huge commitment and it takes a political will, the likes of which we have not ever seen from neither city, nor our state government.”

The Van offers several services to people experiencing homelessness in Central Arkansas, including regular supply drops and meal distribution. Reddin also employs one person full time at a farm in North Little Rock where crops are grown for sale to local restaurants and small groups.

The latest Point-in-Time Count, a nationwide tally that counts people experiencing homelessness on a single night, reported Arkansas had 2,609 people experiencing homelessness of some form in 2023. About 30% of those, 773 people, were reported in Central Arkansas.

More than half of those counted in Central Arkansas were reported unsheltered.

“When I sit here and think through people, I’m trying to think of one single person I know of that wouldn’t take an opportunity to get rehoused, if there was a realistic option, opportunity, in front of them,” Reddin said. “I can’t think of anyone that wouldn’t take it.”

Little Rock currently prohibits camping on public property, though unsheltered residents are not arrested if they violate the ordinance, city spokesperson Aaron Sadler said.

“In fact, when we respond to complaints about encampments, our homelessness engagement specialists spend a substantial amount of time ensuring unsheltered residents have access to the resources they need in the days and even weeks leading up to removal of an encampment,” Sadler said. “These specialists work closely with [the police department’s] crisis response teams to make sure all residents are treated fairly and offered assistance.”

Reddin disagrees with the city’s policy to remove encampments, he said.

“There’s a lot to [a housing solution],” Reddin said. “Every case is just so different, and I just don’t see any super programmatic or formula-based idea that’s going to take it on. We just have to build the political will and communal desire to care for one another until no one else has to sleep outside around here.”

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The tiny home concept

Like many municipalities across the country, the city of Little Rock and the Pulaski County government are both planning compounds of tiny homes to house the unsheltered. The projects are independent from one another, and they have different housing goals.

While the one slated for Roosevelt Road in Little Rock is expected to house people for a relatively short period of time, the village planned near the border of Pulaski and Saline counties would make for a more permanent house solution, with a rent attached.

Officials mark start on homelessness village in southern Pulaski County

Little Rock’s $3 million Micro Home Village marks a step toward Mayor Frank Scott Jr.’s goal of a “functional zero,” which means being unsheltered would be “rare” and “brief,” according to the city.

Officials broke ground for the city’s project last summer. Once completed, the compound will be large enough to house 206 people through 50 single units, 22 units for families of four and eight units for families of six. An additional 20 emergency shelter beds will also be available.

Communal areas will include a commercial kitchen, dining hall, classrooms, offices, a health clinic and a laundry room.

The Pulaski County project is similar, though on a larger scale and with a focus to house the “chronically homeless,” or people who have been unsheltered for at least 12 months.

Officials broke ground on the Providence Park project in May, and the first of 400 tenants are expected to move in next year. The county’s 50-acre project will include the same communal areas as those in the Little Rock project, along with a bus stop and market.

People interested in living at the village will be required to apply and interview with management staff. Referrals from existing homelessness organizations are also welcome but not required. Potential applicants would need to fit within the housing qualifications, mainly that they’ve been homeless for at least one year.

“Providence Park will be a game changer for those who will be able to obtain it,” Reddin said. “…Getting folks to that point is the hardest part.”

Existing shelters

The Compassion Center, a faith-based organization founded more than two decades ago, is one of a few options available for people who need a place to sleep in Little Rock.

Co-founder Rev. William Holloway said he was unsure of the impact the Supreme Court ruling would have on the Compassion Center, as he’s seen bans in other states that didn’t have much of an effect.

“I’ve been in other places [in the U.S.] where they pass laws and say people can’t do this, or they can’t do that, but it really doesn’t stop them from doing that,” Holloway said. “I don’t think it’s going to stop them here, either. People are people, and some people are just shelter resistant no matter how much you try to work with them.”

The Compassion Center, which operates on Roosevelt Road near where the city is planning its Micro Home Village, has about 300 beds. Nearly 100 of those are available most of the time, Holloway said.

The beds are first come, first served. Anyone can request a bed and a meal, Holloway said. Showers and clothing are also available. Stays are typically capped at 30 days, though people can work on a program to stay up to four months.

When asked, Holloway said he wasn’t sure what kind of message the Supreme Court decision could send to local governments. He said he sees both sides of the issue at hand.

In Fayetteville, the nonprofit New Beginnings Northwest Arkansas helps provide resources to the homeless population through temporary housing, securing identification documents and finding employment.

“This ruling empowers those who prefer the ‘pointless and expensive strategy’ to criminalize homelessness instead of working toward humane housing and service solutions,” the organization posted on social media Friday. “We will continue to serve and support people who need housing while advocating for humane, permanent solutions to end homelessness in our society.”

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Arkansas

Way-Too-Early Top 25: Ranking College Basketball’s Best for 2026-27

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3 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Press Room

Way-Too-Early Top 25: Ranking College Basketball’s Best for 2026-27

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — With the transfer portal reshaping rosters overnight and elite freshmen arriving every summer, projecting the next college basketball season has become an exercise in controlled chaos.

Still, a handful of programs have positioned themselves early as national title contenders through roster continuity, program consistency and coaching stability.

Arkansas will once again be in the mix, but its true preseason forecast will come once the portal is mostly wrapped up. Coach John Calipari knows what type of player he needs to add for his team to advance past the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 and probably won’t sleep a whole lot until he signs at least one major contributor in the paint.

No. 1 seed Michigan had a stellar run in its second season under coach Dusty May, who competes for a national championship against No. 2 seed UConn Monday night. He goes up against two-time championship coach Dan Hurley, who is looking to join elite company by winning his third trophy with the Huskies.

Which teams are best equipped already for next season? Here’s an early look at who can make a run in 2026-27.

1. Michigan

UConn Huskies forward Jaylin Stewart (3) possesses the ball against Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) in the first half during the national championship of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The Wolverines absolutely make sense regardless of if they win a national title Monday night. May added a commitment from 5-star guard Brandon McCoy Saturday who projects to be a lead guard at the next level.

Key big man Yaxel Lendeborg will be a huge loss after being a critical piece to Michigan’s championship game run. Power forward Morez Johnson should return after averaging over 13 points and seven rebounds per game.

Another likely returnee is Trey McKenney, who played well as a freshman averaging 11 points and 44% shooting in the month of March.

1B. UConn

UConn Huskies guard Solo Ball (1) reacts after a made three point basket against the Michigan Wolverines during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Whether Hurley’s bid for a third title falls short, his brilliant coaching in the NCAA Tournament is worth keeping the Huskies near the top of all college basketball rankings.

Veterans such as Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed are seeing their eligibility expire while freshman Braylon Mullins could opt to enter the NBA Draft.

Veteran guard Silas Demary has been a nice addition from Georgia out of the portal this season and will likely return as the Huskies’ starting point guard.

3. Duke

The Blue Devils are set to lose the Boozer twins, but have signed capable replacements in true freshmen Cameron Williams and Deron Rippey, Jr.

Coach Jon Scheyer’s group will continue to run the ACC until anyone else decides to be up for the challenge. If he can find a way to keep Patrick Ngongba around for next season as his key big man, then there’s no reason to count out Duke as national title favorites once again.

Duke Blue Devils coach Jon Scheyer speaks with the media during a press conference ahead of the east regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

4. Michigan State

No one will ever doubt coach Tom Izzo’s ability to assemble a championship contender and he did just that with Coen Carr, Jeremy Fears and company this season.

With a top high school recruiting class and a couple of key portal additions on the perimeter, the Spartans will be Big Ten title contenders and earn a Top 4 NCAA Tournament seed.

5. Illinois

Coach Brad Underwood has made the Fightin’ Illini a raging success and nearly led his team to the promised land this season.

He discovered freshman wing Keaton Wagler before anyone else, and became a household name and potential lottery pick after arriving to school as aTop 150 prospect.

Lightning might not strike twice next year, but he’ll probably have another solid team built for a deep NCAA Tournament run. Sharpshooter Andrej Stojakovic and forward David Mirkovic are both expected to return after playing key roles in Illinois’ first Final Four run in two decades.

6. Arizona

The Wildcats were no match for Michigan in the Final Four and are likely going to lose key freshmen Koa Peat and Brayden Burries to the NBA Draft. Keeping veteran big man Mo Krivas and key wing Ivan Kharchenkov in the rotation is key.

Adding McDonald’s All-American MVP Caleb Holt won’t hurt either as the next great freshman for the Wildcats.

7. Arkansas

Coach John Calipari knows his biggest assignment will be adding a big man or two to round out his rotation. He has a three 5-star freshmen in Jordan Smith, Jr. (No. 2 ranked prospect, JJ Andrews and Abdou Toure coming in with potential key returnee Billy Richmond to potentially lockdown the perimeter.

Jordan Smith Jr during the McDonalds All American Boys Game at Desert Diamond Arena. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Arkansas fans are hungry to see their team get back to the Final Four and have been inching closer each of the previous five seasons.

8. Purdue

The Boilermakers are set to lose All-American guard Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer and Trey Kaufman-Renn which will be hard to come back from for any team.

However, Matt Painter continues to reload with guys who often fly under the radar or lesser known on the recruiting trail out of high school. His next team may not be as talented, or veteran laden but should be fixtures in the Big Ten no matter what the offseason brings.

9. St. John’s

Arkansas guard Boogie Fland (2) and forward Billy Richmond III (24) fight for a rebound against St. John’s guard Aaron Scott (0) during the second half of a second round men’s NCAA Tournament game at Amica Mutual Pavilion. | Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

The Red Storm will find it tough to replace versatile big man Zury Ejifor, but if anyone can do so it’s hall of fame coach Rick Pitino. His team has been close to breaking into national title contention over the previous two seasons.

Pitino’s combination of Ian Jackson, Dylan Darling and Ruben Prey can give St. John’s a boost next season.

10. Alabama

Nate Oats has the Crimson Tide at a level never before seen in Tuscaloosa with at least a Sweet 16 or better finish in each of the previous four seasons.

Star guard Labaron Philon is probably headed to the league as a mid-first round prospect which leaves a gaping hole in Alabama’s rotation for next season.

Top 20 freshman guard Qadyden Samuels is potentially a solid replacement with a complete offensive skillset as a three-level scorer. If his length translates well to college, he can be an exceptional perimeter defender.

Oats will need to find a way to keep key big men such as Amari Allen and Aiden Sherrell around or pick up a couple out of the transfer portal to stay near the top of the SEC.

Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats looks on in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines during a Sweet Sixteen game of the Midwest Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center. | David Banks-Imagn Images

11. Iowa State

The Cyclones were on the verge of a breakthrough before falling short in the Sweet 16. Losing All-American Joshua Jefferson early in the tournament sidelined any hopes of coach T.J. Otzelberger leading his team to its first Final Four since 1944.

Iowa State will probably make a strong run in the portal to replace other key contributors. But one thing is sure that this program has staying power on the national scene.

12. Kansas

Kansas Jayhawks forward Justin Cross (25) is welcomed by Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self before the Sunflower Showdown game against Kansas State Wildcats inside Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas, on Saturday, March 7, 2026. | Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Each passing year it seems that the biggest question is whether or not coach Bill Self will return for another year.

He is, at least this year, but even with his exceptional recruiting skills and a deep portal budget, it seems like a slight nosedive has taken place since winning the national title in 2022.

Star freshman Darryn Peterson’s one-and-done stay in Lawrence certainly didn’t live up to the hype. Big man Flory Bidunga is currently evaluating his options, which shouldn’t give anyone a reason to rank the Jayhawks higher.

13. Iowa Hawkeyes
14. Gonzaga Bulldogs
15. Florida Gators
16. North Carolina Tar Heels
17. Louisville Cardinals
18. Wisconsin Badgers
19. Nebraska Cornhuskers
20. Houston Cougars
21. Providence Friars
22. St. Louis Billekins
23. Texas Longhorns
24. Auburn Tigers
25. LSU Tigers

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EDITORIAL: What a ride | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Published

15 hours ago

April 6, 2026

Press Room

EDITORIAL: What a ride | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette – Arkansas’ Best News Source

Editorial

Get the tight pants out

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Arkansas

6th Annual Be a Part of the Cure Walk Supports Cancer Research in Arkansas

Published

1 day ago

April 6, 2026

Press Room

6th Annual Be a Part of the Cure Walk Supports Cancer Research in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — A major event aimed at raising awareness and funding cancer research in Arkansas is coming up this weekend.

The 6th Annual Be a Part of the Cure Walk benefits the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, helping fund cancer research, clinical trials, and long-term survival studies, with every dollar raised staying in Arkansas.

Joining us this morning are Elizabeth Birrer, co-chair of the walk, and Lesley Murphy, this year’s emcee.

Murphy, a professional travel journalist, has shared her own cancer prevention journey after undergoing a preventative double mastectomy at UAMS when genetic testing revealed she carried the BRCA2 gene. She now uses her experience to help educate and raise awareness about cancer prevention.

The walk is designed to bring the community together, survivors, families, and supporters, while highlighting the importance of research and patient care. Participants can expect a day of walking, activities, and opportunities to learn more about the institute’s ongoing work.

Online registration is available at here and closes at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 1st. In-person registration opens at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, May 2nd at War Memorial Stadium, Gate 1.

Every dollar raised during the event directly supports research and clinical studies here in Arkansas, helping to advance treatment and improve outcomes for patients across the state.

The 6th Annual Be a Part of the Cure Walk is a community effort that combines awareness, education, and support, all focused on the fight against cancer.

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