7hills

On any given night in Northwest Arkansas, there are approximately 900 individuals experiencing homelessness. Homelessness can range from couch surfing to staying in a temporary place like an emergency shelter or pay-per-week hotel to camping or staying somewhere else not meant for human habitation. 

For the past 20 years, 7hills has been committed to serving people experiencing homelessness across the region. 7hills provides short- and long-term needs to help stabilize the area’s homeless population and to end homelessness.

“Though our programs and team have changed over the years, our commitment to our community and to our guests has always remained at the center of all that we do,” said CEO Becci Sisson.

Founded in 2001, 7hills began as a day center, providing meals, clothing, food, hygiene items and other basic needs resources to people without homes. Over the years, it expanded to provide more services at its day center, in addition to adding a wide variety of rehousing programs in an effort to be a part of a sustainable solution to end homelessness. 

In 2007, 7hills built the Walker Family Residential Community to expand affordable housing options for clients. Over the next several years, the growing needs of the unsheltered population increased and housing options declined drastically. 

In the past year, the organization opened an overnight shelter that was supported by the city of Fayetteville and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Since January 2025, 7hills has successfully housed 20 individuals.

“Focusing on individuals, which are the majority, that have the desire but need support to move from homelessness to self-sufficiency is what makes 7hills unique,” Sisson said. “Goals developed through case management and ‘gracious accountability’ brings hope that it is possible to not only obtain but maintain housing.”

Case managers treat every situation with individuals as unique, so case management can range from searching for employment or housing, to addressing mental health, to addressing legal issues, to connecting guests with resources in the community.

“We believe that we are creating a successful response to homelessness, allowing residents to find their way back to self-sufficiency,” Sisson said. “In order for us to truly minimize the numbers in Northwest Arkansas, we need to ensure that each community outside of our area has a strong community response to homelessness.”

Editor’s note: This company is a finalist for the Northwest Arkansas Outstanding Business Awards — Nonprofit Business category. Winners will be announced at a luncheon on April 9.