Innovative Approaches To Supporting Individuals Experiencing Homelessness In Northwest Arkansas
Class | Registration opens Tuesday, February 4, 2025 10:00 AM
This course offers an in-depth look at New Beginnings, a program dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing chronic homelessness in and around Fayetteville. Over the past three years, New Beginnings has made significant strides with its bridge housing program and has recently introduced two innovative services: supportive housing and medical respite. These cutting-edge programs are changing the way homelessness is addressed.
Through Kevin Fitzpatrick, who has dedicated over 30 years researching homelessness, and Solomon Burchfield, the director of New Beginnings, participants will explore the details of these programs, the reasons behind their development, and how they’re meeting the complex needs of this vulnerable population. They’ll also discuss the structural roots of homelessness—poverty, job access, and affordable housing—and the challenges agencies face in finding effective solutions.
Whether you’re looking to understand this issue more deeply or seeking volunteer opportunities, this course will equip you with valuable insights into the evolving landscape of homelessness services.
This class will meet in person at the OLLI offices, located at 481 S. Shiloh Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72704. Please read your class reminder email for the exact room location.
Class changes occasionally happen, please watch for (and read) announcements or emails from OLLI regarding your class.
Click on the link below for a Google map shot of our location:
OLLI HQ
Kevin Fitzpatrick
Dr. Fitzpatrick- Dr. Fitzpatrick has been a member of the University of Arkansas faculty since 2005, serving in the Department of Sociology and Criminology. As a University Professor, the Jones Chair in Community, and the Director of the Community and Family Institute, he has dedicated over 30 years to researching homelessness, both locally and in Birmingham, AL. Notably, he developed and implemented the point-in-time homeless census in Northwest Arkansas, which provided crucial insights into the number of individuals experiencing homelessness, their identities, and their specific challenges. This research led to the proposal of a Bridge Housing community, which has been embraced, funded, and developed over the past five years.
Solomon Burchfield
Solomon Burchfield is the executive director of New Beginnings and has been a prominent advocate for homelessness issues for the past decade. Prior to his current role, he worked at Seven Hills before stepping in to lead and implement the New Beginnings Bridge Housing program. Solomon has effectively guided a board of directors, built a growing team, and involved community residents, helping to establish a successful and sustainable model of housing and human services support.