Northwest Arkansas Childrens Shelter

Emergency Shelter

Emergency Shelter

The Emergency Shelter program focuses on meeting the basic needs of the children so they can feel safe and begin to heal from the trauma they have experienced. Meeting these basic needs is one of the first ways that our staff can begin to build trust with the children in our care – many of whom have never been able to trust the adults in their lives. These basic needs include:

  • A warm bed
  • Consistent, balanced meals
  • Healthy snacks
  • Clean, well-fitting clothing
  • Access to baths/showers and personal hygiene items

And most importantly

  • Loving care provided 24-hours per day

Richie

Richie* came into foster care after his school reported that his attendance was irregular. When he did attend school, his homework wasn’t finished, his clothes were dirty and he was very hungry. Upon further investigation, it was found that Richie’s mother was struggling with addiction and was unable to care for him. He was unsupervised […]

Read more about RichieImpact stories

Meet Richie

Richie* came into foster care after his school reported that his attendance was irregular. When he did attend school, his homework wasn’t finished, his clothes were dirty and he was very hungry. Upon further investigation, it was found that Richie’s mother was struggling with addiction and was unable to care for him. He was unsupervised the majority of the time and came and went from home and school whenever he liked. 

He was only 9 years old. 

Richie is now in the care of the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter where he receives three meals per day, a safe, warm place to sleep, counseling, medical and dental services and a caring staff who are available 24 hours per day to meet his needs. He attends school on-site at Horizon Academy where he receives individualized instruction to help make up for years of educational neglect. 

Richie loves being outside, listening to music and playing video games. His favorite food is chicken fingers and he has a smile that lights up the room.

While the search continues for a foster family for Richie, the Shelter is here to care for him and help him heal from the trauma he has endured. Our team is available, 24-hours per day, 365 days per year for the children who need us the most. 

*name and image changed to protect the privacy of the youth in our care

The best thing that I love about the Shelter is the acceptance. No matter where any of us came from, we are accepted here.

Melanie, age 15

This place has made me feel the most at home. What makes it so special is the staff. I have never met such caring and dedicated staff.

Katie, age 14

Due to a rough childhood, I had lost all hope in life. The Shelter changed my life for the better. I’ve been given opportunities I never, ever thought I could get in life.”

Rhiannon, age 17