5 News | Cross Church Breaks Ground On Facility To Help Single Mothers And Children

SPRINGDALE (KFSM) — A local church held a groundbreaking ceremony for new shelter that will help single Arkansas moms get back on their feet.

The Northwest Arkansas Family Care Home will temporarily house single mothers and their families, helping them through a combination of housing, mentoring, financial planning, counseling, teaching and access to community resources, according to a press release.

The ceremony started at 11 a.m. at Cross Church of Springdale.

Cross Church donated land and an anonymous Northwest Arkansas family donated money to build the home, which will be run by Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes. The 7,000-square-foot facility will be able to house seven mothers and their children. Live-in case managers will also be on site to help the families, providing assistance in budgeting, parenting, setting goals, building relationships and spiritual growth.

“It was the easiest decision ever for us to do, because we believe so much in families and helping families — especially single mom’s and children,” said Ronnie Floyd, senior pastor of Cross Church. “We have an unique opportunity to demonstrate true Christian compassion and true Christian Mercy.”

ABCHomes operates similar facilities in Little Rock and Jonesboro, as well as several other shelters for children.

“It will give them confidence; it gives them hope,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “It gives them an opportunity to change their circumstances. That’s what Christmas season is about.”

Hutchinson also said the home will help reduce the number of children in foster care.

“It is for a single mom that’s in bad circumstances, that have children,” Hutchinson said. “It allows the family unit to stay together, particularly children…otherwise you’re looking at foster care.”

Read more at Cross Church Breaks Ground On Facility To Help Single Mothers And Children.