Homelessness
For Those Who Seek Refuge, Our Doors Are Open
The Northwest Arkansas Area Command Operates Two Housing-Focused Shelters in Northwest Arkansas.
The Salvation Army Of Northwest Arkansas operates two Housing-Focused Emergency Shelters, one in Bentonville and one in Fayetteville. Together, our shelters offer 98 beds and are open 365 nights a year.
A Path Toward Stability
Our Housing-Focused Shelter program is designed to help individuals secure and maintain safe, affordable housing. When someone checks into our shelter, an intake specialist meets with them to understand their unique needs. Each guest receives an assessment to help determine the best path forward. From there, they work one-on-one with our housing manager to take steps toward finding a permanent home.
Evening Meals
We serve free dinner at both locations each evening at 5:00 PM, and meals are open to anyone in the community—no check-in required.
Shelter Check-in
Guests may check in between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM at both our Bentonville and Fayetteville shelters.
Our shelters are intended as a temporary solution, and we work closely with each guest to help them transition into stable housing. If you know someone in need of shelter or support, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Fayetteville Emergency Shelter
Men, Women, and Family Dorms
Check in times: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Dinner served at 5:00 PM
219 W 15th Street, Fayetteville, AR 72701
479-521-2151 Follow Options for Washington County Shelter
Bentonville Emergency Shelter
Men, Women, and Family Dorms
Check in times: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Dinner served at 5:00 PM
3305 S.W. I Street, Bentonville, AR 72712
479-521-2151 Follow Options for Benton County Shelter
Cooling Centers
When the heat index reaches 100°F or higher for over an hour during the day, we open our shelters as Cooling Centers to help protect our community from extreme temperatures. We monitor conditions using AccuWeather.
Bentonville: The cooling center is located in our shelter’s dining/community area and is open weekdays and weekends as needed.
Fayetteville: The cooling center is located in our shelter's dining/community area. Due to our weekday partnership with 7Hills Day Center, this location opens as a cooling center on weekends and holidays.
Warming Centers
When the "feels like" temperature falls to 32°F or below for more than an hour, The Salvation Army opens Warming Centers to keep individuals safe from dangerous cold. We monitor conditions using AccuWeather.
Overnight Warming Shelter (Both Locations)
Our Bentonville and Fayetteville shelters open every night that temperatures fall to or below 32°F. Even if all regular shelter beds are full, we create additional space with cots and blankets to accommodate the increased need.
Daytime Warming Center
If temperatures remain at or below 32°F during the day:
Bentonville: The warming center is located in our shelter’s dining/community area and is open weekdays and weekends as needed.
Fayetteville: The warming center is located in our shelter's dining/community area. Due to our weekday partnership with 7Hills Day Center, this location opens as a cooling center on weekends and holidays.
Northwest Arkansas Area Command Homelessness Information
Homelessness Services at Northwest Arkansas Area Command
The Salvation Army is committed to providing long-term and temporary shelter and support to individuals and families in our community who are experiencing homelessness. Our local office offers a variety of programs and services designed to help people overcome homelessness and rebuild their lives.
Many communities have emergency homeless shelters to provide a safe and secure environment for unhoused individuals and families to stay while they seek stable housing. We offer essential services such as meals, clothing, and hygiene supplies. Our dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
Beyond emergency shelter, we also provide a range of programs to help area individuals and families transition out of homelessness. These may include case management, job training, and housing assistance. By providing comprehensive support, we help address the underlying contributors to housing insecurity so that individuals and families can achieve greater stability and build a brighter future.
If you or someone you know in the community is experiencing homelessness, please reach out to our local office for assistance. We are here to help.
How You Can Help
There are many ways to support The Salvation Army’s local homelessness services:
Volunteer: Share your time and skills to help with different activities. You can serve meals, provide child care, or assist with office tasks.
Donate: Your gift helps us provide essential services to those in need.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
Homelessness can happen to anyone.
As of 2021, approximately 11.6% of people in the United States were living in poverty. Housing insecurity is not limited to a certain “type” of person. It can happen to virtually anyone at any time.
Stats
9,171,998
night of shelter were provided last year
18,469
individuals and families received assistance and help with permanent placing/housing last year
261
Salvation Army Emergency Shelters across the United States
Give the Gift of a Good Night’s Sleep. You Can Help.
There are people in your community who need help putting a roof over their heads tonight. Your donation to The Salvation Army can help neighbors in need all year long.
Other Services
