Arvest Foundation supports community’s homeless through donation to Bethlehem House

CONWAY — The Arvest Foundation donated a grant in the amount of $5,000 to Bethlehem House Inc. of Conway in support of residents in the area who are dealing with homelessness. The gift will help fund food and other provisions that the nonprofit organization provides to those who need assistance, as well as pay for costs associated with temporary housing for the residents Bethlehem House serves.

“Homelessness is very real in every community across America, and it’s a state of life that can be painful in every sense — emotionally, spiritually and sometimes physically,” said Judi Lively, executive director of Bethlehem House Inc. “There is often a misconception about the circumstances that lead to being homeless: job loss, extensive debt or medical bills, or personal tragedies. But with the support of the community and the commitment of our clients to get their lives back on track, we can work together to change lives. This generous gift from the Arvest Foundation will help us do just that, and we are certainly grateful for their compassion and support.”

“The team and volunteers at Bethlehem House work to fulfill the many needs of those who are homeless, and equally important, they work to train and equip them with the tools necessary to, hopefully, avoid this situation in the future,” said Skip Colvin, community bank president of Arvest Bank in Conway and Morrilton. “None of us can predict our own future, so it’s a blessing to have a comprehensive resource like Bethlehem House right here in our community.”

Bethlehem House provides the short-term residents at its facility with temporary housing for up to two years, life-skills training, case management, and transportation to job interviews, work and medical or legal appointments. For nonresidents, Bethlehem House provides shower and laundry facilities, breakfast and dinner, and a food pantry — throughout the year.