Bethlehem House, a transitional shelter for the homeless in Conway, Ark., will host an open Open House at their new facility from 5 until 7 p.m. T Thursday, October 17th from 5-7 p.m. The public is invited to tour the new two-story 7,300 square foot building and grounds that include a playground for the residents’ children.
Bethlehem House completed its Capital Campaign in December 2012, with the community providing over $1.3 million in donations to build a new home for the homeless. The move to the new 7,300 square foot location allows Bethlehem House to serve 35 residents and its staff members under one roof. The previous location was a 3,200 square foot building built in 1912.
“Bethlehem House has served homeless men, women and families since 1991. We are excited to say we now have more room and better facilities to continue to serve those who need it the most, Faulkner County’s homeless population,” Executive Director Judi Lively commented. “Every time I walk into the new shelter alone, I stop and cry with joy. I know this is the building that God built,” Lively adds.
The new facility features emergency shelter for up to 8 individuals to those in immediate, short-term need, such as travelers passing through who fall on difficult times. Classroom space with a computer lab for hosting life skills classes such as parenting and money management is incorporated into the new space.
Bethlehem House regularly has 25 to 30 additional guests for dinner each night and regularly provides food boxes from its food pantry. The new modern kitchen, dining area and pantry space will allow those needs to be met more efficiently. In addition, the new facility feature a playroom and playground that families will be able to enjoy together.
“We have a wonderful new building and we are extremely excited for the community to see that,” said Lively. “But, the needs in serving our residents and those that we serve through our food pantry and with meals are still great. The community has made this new home possible for us and we are asking for their continued support as we transition to the new building.”
Everyone in the community is being encouraged to help supply the needs in the new facility through house warming gifts. Bethlehem House is registered at Tipton Equipment, Walmart , Belk and The Kitchen Store. The new shelter is located at 1115 Parkway Street next to the railroad tracks and down from Sherwin Williams. Bethlehem House is a non-profit Christian homeless.
For information about Bethlehem House, call 501-205-0905or visit bethlehemhouse.net.
