Community Conversation on Homelessness and Housing Solutions
Sunday, June 8 • 4:00–6:00 p.m. • St. Paul’s Parish Hall
Mayor Rawn and the City of Fayetteville to Host Community Conversation on Homelessness and Housing Solutions Mayor Rawn will host a Community Conversation this Sunday, June 8, from 4 to 6 pm at St. Paul’s Parish Hall to hear from residents, advocates, service providers, and concerned community members in an open dialogue about the immediate issues and collaborative solutions facing Fayetteville and the homelessness community, housing insecurity. This community conversation is an opportunity for the community to come to the table with ideas, feedback, and a shared commitment to move forward. While the upcoming encampment sweep is taking place on University of Arkansas property—land the city neither owns nor controls—Mayor Molly Rawn and her administration recognize the real human impact and the urgent need for coordination and support. The city has initiated internal and external coordination efforts to prepare for the aftereffects of the University’s sweep, including meeting with local agencies and service providers. As a first step, the city has offered for our social workers - employed by the Fayetteville PD - to accompany them as we recognize the need for compassion and ongoing resources beyond the scope of UA PD. “Homelessness didn’t happen overnight, and it won’t be solved overnight,” said Mayor Rawn. “But we are showing up. We’re listening. And we’re acting. We also need our community to collaborate actively with the city. This work will continue to require coordination from everyone, from residents to me.” “Safe, accessible, and affordable housing for all our residents is my top priority,” Rawn continued. “We have made important strides in the last five months, but there is a lot more work to be done. Sunday’s community conversation is one of many ways we can receive feedback”. This Community Conversation will not be a traditional town hall. Instead, it is a space for Fayetteville residents to share solutions, and build partnerships rooted in compassion, urgency, and reality-based solutions directly with city staff and one another.