There is a huge setback when it comes to getting the homeless off of the streets. Little Rock city leaders must go back to the drawing board to find a new plan for a homeless day center after a recent proposal fell through.
Mayor Mark Stodola just told the board of directors he will no longer entertain the idea of using the former Job Corps building near I-30 and 21st Street as a homeless day center. It's because the federal government didn't buy into his plan. Some people who live in the area are relieved, but homeless advocates say they couldn’t be any more disappointed.
Homeless advocate Jessie Goodrum meets with the homeless everyday. "The first questions out of their mouths was ‘Ms. Jessie why?’" she said.
Homeless advocates want to know why a proposal to use the former Job Corp building as a day center for the homeless has now come to a halt. Mayor Stodola said in a letter to the board of directors, it’s because the government did not approve all of the plans he had for the day center.
Mayor Stodola was initially interested in the site because there was a possibility the city could acquire the building for free. However, it would cost to operate the facility and Stodola says the city would have to fit an additional $150,000 into next year's budget which isn't realistic at this time due to budget cuts and lay offs.
Director Erma Hendrix wasn't a fan of the site in the first place. "Presently we have about five such facilities in that area within a one or two mile radius and if you take a look at other parts of the city, you don't have that type of housing,” Hendrix said.
She is not holding back on the topic, saying there are other issues that should take priority over a proposed homeless site. "[Such as] serving the taxpayers. We have many areas of need…I have concerns for the homeless but it's not a priority," she said.
Goodrum, on the other hand, feels it’s up to the people to prioritize assisting those who are less fortunate. "Nothing should ever exceed human compassion…It's raining. It's getting cold out there. I don't want to see them out there. So if it takes my tax dollars, by all means, take my tax dollars and do that,” Goodrum said.
FOX16 contacted Carol Tabron, President of the Pettaway Park neighborhood association near the old Job Corp building for reaction. She said, "I feel like 10 thousand tons have been lifted from my back. It's almost too good to be true.”
Mayor Stodola wanted Arkansas Baptist students interested in working with the homeless to live and work on site. The college would've also helped with rental costs. He also suggested that community partners who could aid the homeless would work on the property, but the government didn't buy in to that plan.
The next board of directors meeting is scheduled this Tuesday.
