‘They showed me true compassion:’ Immerse Arkansas breaks ground on homeless youth shelter
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – It’s a mission and a building to help curve the number of young people experiencing homelessness in Arkansas. On Tuesday, the nonprofit Immerse Arkansas held a groundbreaking for its youth shelter in Little Rock.
Those with the organization said $2.3 million dollars have been donated, and although they’re working to raise money to $3 million dollars, they say they’re still happy they had enough to break ground and start the road to building a space meant to protect young people. Officials with the nonprofit also said it will be the first of its kind in the state to be a shelter for youth.
Assistant Director Justin Sanders said the shelter, which is named the Station Youth Shelter, will be available for those 18 to 24 years old to stay 60 to 90 days. There are 15 individual suites that include a bed and bathroom. He says the shelter is also designed to protect youth.
“It tells a different story of what a station can be, that it is a protection for young people.” Sanders also says, “We have the capacity to serve even families as they come in so if there is a single mom or single dad that comes in.”
The organization says over 100 young people in the state at any given night are without a shelter. They’re hoping the space will help curve those numbers.
A special note to our youth - You are the real story here.
Keep up the great work, keep pressing on, and keep overcoming. All of Arkansas wants you to succeed, and so many people are on your side and cheering for you!