Group Charged with Implementation of 10 Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness

(Thursday, March 22, 2007) – “Homelessness is not a Little Rock issue; it is a regional issue. It will take all of us working together as we seek to end chronic homelessness. That is why I am pleased that Mayor Pat Hays of North Little Rock is joining me today in the announcement of the Mayors’ Commission on Homelessness,” said Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola.

Mayor Stodola’s remarks were made at a press event announcing the fifteen members of a commission appointed by the two Mayors. The members are Darlene Bourgeois, Executive Director of Little Rock’s Saint Francis House; Sandra Brown, Director of Community Health Strategic Development for Baptist Health; David Carpenter, a broker from Jacksonville; Mark Evans, Senior Pastor of The Church at Rock Creek; and Steve Ficklin, Executive Director of the Argenta Community Development. Corp.

Also serving are; Judge Wayne Gruber of the Pulaski County District Court; Jack Harvey, President of Enterprise Financial Solutions, Inc.; Barry McDaniel, Financial Adviser and Vice President of Morgan Stanley; Clark McGlothin, President of CBM Construction; Estella Morris, Director of Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System; Reginald Robinson, President of Arkansas Cleaning Solution; Jennie Stortroen, community leader; Steve Winchester of Time Plus Payroll Services; and Jim Woodell, Executive Director of North Little Rock’s River City Ministry.

In September 2005, a taskforce was appointed by then-Mayor Jim Dailey of Little Rock to write a Ten Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. That group finished their work in the Fall of 2006. One recommendation was the hiring of a Homeless Service Coordinator for Central Arkansas. Little Rock City Manager Bruce Moore announced in December the hiring of Jimmy Pritchett. North Little Rock contributes funds for Mr. Pritchett’s salary.

“After bringing Jimmy on board, the next step was the appointment of this Commission,” said Mayor Hays. “I look forward to working with Mayor Stodola and the Commission as we work together to address the many issues associated with homelessness.”

“This issue did not arise overnight and will not go away quickly,” Mayor Stodola noted. “But working together at all levels of government, we can bring an end to chronic homelessness.”

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