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.”

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.”

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – It is time for fun, friends and fireworks as groups across Arkansas are making ready for Independence Day celebrations.

Events are taking place both on July 3rd and 4th, often in lake-adjacent parks.

Here is a list of some of the Independence Day events and displays taking place around central Arkansas.

JULY 3

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE: The ‘base is hosting its Liberty Fest on July 3rd with gates opening at 5 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m., live music begins at 6 p.m. Includes a BBQ contest, inflatables, DJ, food, bourbon tasting, corn hole tourney, games, prizes, more.

BENTON: The July 3rd Red, White and Boom Independence Day fireworks celebration from 7 to 9 p.m. at the River Center parking lot behind Holland Chapel Church. Free hot dogs with lemonade, cold drinks, snow cones and ice cream from food trucks. Inflatables for children and a Baggo tournament. Fireworks after dark.

CONWAY: The July 3rd  Freedom Fest takes place from 4 to 10 p.m. at Beaverfork Lake Park in the city. Free admission for food trucks, live music, and fireworks after dark.

SHERWOOD: Independence Day celebration on July 3rd with Fireworks and Food Trucks; gates open at 6 p.m. at the Greens at North Hills. Family-friendly activities include a bounce house, face painting, music and food trucks.

LAKE NORFORK / MOUNTAIN HOME: A July 3rd fireworks show at Lake Norfork can be seen from the Highway 101 and 62 bridges crossing the lake. The show starts at dark, with music simulcast on FM 99.7, The Boot.

JULY 4

LITTLE ROCK: Pops on the River for July 4th, gates at Rivermarket open at 5 p.m. with the Kids Pavilions through 9:15 p.m. when the fireworks begin. Food trucks are on hand, and live music begins at 6:30 p.m. with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra at 8:30 p.m. Free with reserved seating available for $15; chairs and blankets are encouraged. Fireworks over the downtown Main Street Bridge visible throughout Little Rock. Schedule is rain or shine.

HOT SPRINGS: July 4th Fireworks at Lake Hamilton, a free event with fireworks fired from a barge on the lake, best seen from the east side of Highway 7 at the first highway bridge opposite the DoubleTree Hot Springs hotel. Begins at dark. The display will synch with 97.5 FM US97 Country. The rain date is July 5th.

JACKSONVILLE: July 4th Big Bang Fireworks Show downtown, 5 to 9 p.m. free event at Five Points on Main Street, featuring food trucks, live music, games and inflatables. Bringing a blanket or chair is recommended.

CABOT: July 4th at the Cabot Sportsplex is the July Annual Celebration, beginning at 6 p.m. with balloon animals, face painting, food trucks, live music, and more; fireworks will be at 9:15 p.m.

BATESVILLE: Cory Jackson is in concert for the Celebrate America celebration on July 4th in the city park; the gates open at 4 p.m. with kid-friendly events promised. Rep. Rick Crawford and the Triple Nickel band are also appearing. This is a free concert.

BULL SHOALS: Bull Shoals Lake is the site of the July 4th Independence Day Fireworks Show, VFW Parade, and All-American Independence Day Celebration. The best places to see the show are Gaston’s Visitor Center Overlook at the dam, the lakeview side of the dam at the park, or the bottom of the dam. Water, lawn chairs, bug spray, and blankets are recommended. The Show begins after dark.

BEEBE: Opening at 5 p.m. on July 4, the Beebe Diamonds in the Park event is at the city ball park and includes a free concert by Collin Raye alongside fireworks later in the evening.

BISMARK: July 4th Freedom 5K/10K fun run at DeGray Lake Resort State Park from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Patriotic outfits are encouraged to run, walk or march the course while enjoying scenic lake views.

CAMDEN: On July 4th the city is holding its Star Spangled Spectacular at the municipal airport beginning at 6 p.m. with live music, food trucks, inflatables, live music and more. Fireworks at dark, fee admission.

FORT SMITH: The July 4th Celebration will be from 5 to 10 p.m., featuring food trucks, free public transportation, live entertainment, and what organizers promise is the largest fireworks display in the region at 9:30 p.m.

LAKE CATHERINE STATE PARK: July 4th family-friendly events are from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. with canoe races, beach volleyball, bike races, scavenger hunts, three-legged races, hula hoop contests and a water balloon toss wrapping things up.

What you don’t know about July 4th

MORRILTON: July 4th Fun & Games Day at Petit Jean State Park from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for family-friendly events such as a watermelon eating contest, water balloon volleyball and water balloon toss.

MOUNTIAN HARBOR / MOUNT IDA: The July 4th Fireworks Over Harbor promises to be the lake’s largest fireworks show with accompanying patriotic music at 9:30 p.m.

It’s always a good idea to have a chair or blanket, and maybe some water, handy for comfort’s sake while you watch the show. Don’t forget the sunscreen for before-dark events.

Several events are simulcasting a music synch with the fireworks display on FM radio, so if you’re going out into a field to watch, bring along a portable radio for the best experience.

Know of an Independence Day event not on our list? Shoot us an email to let us know.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma’s top education official ordered public schools Thursday to incorporate the Bible into lessons for grades 5 through 12, the latest effort by conservatives to incorporate religion into classrooms.

The directive drew immediate condemnation from civil rights groups and supporters of the separation of church and state, with some calling it an abuse of power and a violation of the U.S. Constitution.

The order sent to districts across the state by Republican State Superintendent Ryan Walters says adherence to the mandate is compulsory and “immediate and strict compliance is expected.”

“The Bible is an indispensable historical and cultural touchstone,” Walters said in a statement. “Without basic knowledge of it, Oklahoma students are unable to properly contextualize the foundation of our nation which is why Oklahoma educational standards provide for its instruction.”

Oklahoma law already explicitly allows Bibles in the classroom and lets teachers use them in instruction, said Phil Bacharach, a spokesman for state Attorney General Gentner Drummond.

But it’s not clear if Walters has the authority to mandate that schools teach it. State law says individual school districts have the exclusive authority to decide on instruction, curriculum, reading lists, instructional materials and textbooks.

The head of the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations criticized the directive as a clear violation of the Constitution’s establishment clause, which prohibits the government from “establishing” a religion.

“We adamantly oppose any requirements that religion be forcefully taught or required as a part of lesson plans in public schools, in Oklahoma, or anywhere else in the country,” Adam Soltani said in a statement.

“Public schools are not Sunday schools,” said Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, in a statement. “This is textbook Christian Nationalism: Walters is abusing the power of his public office to impose his religious beliefs on everyone else’s children. Not on our watch.”

Laser said the group was “ready to step in and protect all Oklahoma public school children and their families from constitutional violations of their religious freedom,” adding “public schools may teach about religion, but they may not preach any religion.”

Stacey Woolley, the president of the School Board for Tulsa Public Schools, which Walters has threatened to take over, said she had not received specific instructions on the curriculum, but believed it would be “inappropriate” to teach students of various faiths and backgrounds excerpts from the Bible alone, without also including other religious texts.

The efforts to bring religious texts into the classroom are part of a growing national movement to create and interpret laws according to a particular conservative Christian worldview.

The Oklahoma directive is likely to provoke the latest tangle over the role of religion in public schools, an issue that has increasingly taken on national prominence. It is the latest salvo in an effort by conservative-led states to target public schools: Louisiana has required them to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms, while others are under pressure to teach the Bible and ban books and lessons about race, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Oklahoma had also sought to be the first state to authorize a religious charter school, which would have funneled taxpayer dollars to an online Catholic school scheduled to open in August. The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled against the school this week, but the decision is likely to be appealed.

Walters, a former history teacher who served in the Cabinet of Gov. Kevin Stitt before being elected state superintendent in 2022, has emerged as a lightning rod of conservative politics in Oklahoma and an unapologetic culture warrior in education. He has battled over the teaching of race and gender identity, fought against “woke ideology” in public schools and at times targeted school districts and individual teachers.

A former public school teacher who was elected to his post in 2022, Walters ran on a platform of banning books from school libraries and getting rid of “radical leftists” who he claims are indoctrinating children in classrooms.

He has clashed with leaders in both parties for his focus on culture war issues, and in January he faced criticism for appointing a right-wing social media influencer from New York to a state library committee.

Information for this article was contributed by Sean Murphy of The Associated Press and Sarah Mervosh of The New York Times.