Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
7hills wraps homeless in assistance and compassion
Run for Vets
Tell us about your organization:
7hills provides housing and basic needs services for people experiencing homelessness, with a person-centered approach. We strive to incorporate dignity in all that we do, meeting individuals where they are with a spirit of compassion, and working with them to support their short- and longterm needs as they strive to achieve self-sufficiency.
■ Mission: Working to end homelessness with education, opportunities and hope. Who: 7Hills Homeless Center What: 4-mile timed run, 1-mile walk, awards, raffles
When: 7:30 a.m. July 4 Where: Veterans Memorial Park in Fayetteville Registration: $25-$30 Information: (479) 966-4378 or 7hillscenter.org
■ Services provided: Our HOPE program provides homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing to over 80 households each year. Regardless of the type of housing, each household in the HOPE program receives wraparound case management. Our Day Center serves over 500 individuals every month. People have access to meals, a food pantry, showers, storage, clothing, laundry and bus passes, as well as birth certificate, identification, prescription and other assistance.
■ Service area: While all of our physical locations are in Fayetteville, we serve individuals across Northwest Arkansas, and within our rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention services, we assist individuals in attaining or maintaining housing.
■ Average number of people served annually: We serve approximately 590 individuals every month.
How is your organization’s mission unique? We have a really ambitious mission of ending homelessness in Northwest Arkansas. One of the many things that makes us unique is how we collaborate with entities across sectors and within our own sector.
Why do you work for a nonprofit organization? Do you have a personal connection to the mission? If so, what is it? I have always been drawn to public service since my very first volunteer experience. I have tailored many of my educational, professional and recreational choices and experiences to strengthening my ability to lead a nonprofit organization.
What part of your job fills the most of your time? I spend the majority of my time on development and stewardship. I am the primary person responsible for cultivating, retaining and stewarding individual and foundation gifts to 7hills. My main goals this upcoming fiscal year are to increase sustaining (both monthly and annual) contributions and to increase our major gifts.
What have you learned on the job that you didn’t expect? I don’t have a background in social work or a related field and have learned so much from our case managers and client specialists who work in client services every day. While it was something I didn’t expect to learn about in detail, hearing their experiences and learning from the knowledge they have gained through their role, I feel like I am better able to do my job.
What challenges face your organization? As with many nonprofits, our biggest barrier to success and achieving maximum impact is our budget. Fundraising and being able to predict and rely on income (donations, grants, etc.) is something we are always working on. Another challenge that is tied to our fundraising efforts is the perception of homelessness.
Are there volunteer opportunities in your organization? What are they? Absolutely! We have a huge need for regular volunteers. College students with a set schedule, individuals who work part time and want to give back part time, and retired individuals would all be perfect for these roles.
What upcoming fundraisers and/or other events does your organization have planned? Our next event is on July 4. It is our 10th annual Run for Veterans, a 4 mile timed race and 1 mile fun walk benefiting homeless and near-homeless veterans served by 7hills across all our programs. To register, go to 7hillscenter.org/ runforvets. We also have our annual family-friendly Shelter Jam event coming up on Sept. 22 at George’s Majestic Lounge.