Cobb-Vantress gift supports Siloam Springs homeless community

Cobb-Vantress, a global poultry research and technology company based in Siloam Springs, announced Wednesday (Jan. 30) it recently gave $25,000 to Genesis House, an organization working to break the cycle of homelessness.

The gift will be used to support material costs and program expenses of Genesis House’s community of tiny homes for families in need. Genesis House is building four tiny homes ranging between 400 and 600 square feet and can house families of up to six for 90 days. Construction is expected to be completed this winter, and the organization will start to accept residents for two of the homes in February. The community of tiny homes could be expanded to include up to eight homes.

“This new community housing will support up to 32 Siloam Springs families a year, providing them warmth, safety and stability,” said Joel Sappenfield, president of Cobb-Vantress. “It is an honor for Cobb to contribute to such an important community resource and also to give back to a community that has given our Cobb family so much.”

Christina Drake, board president of Genesis House and managing broker of Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney Faucette in Siloam Springs, said the gift allowed Genesis House to exceed its $200,000 fundraising goal by $80,000.

“We couldn’t do what we do — help individuals overcome obstacles to self-sufficiency — without the support of local businesses like Cobb, as well as the generosity of the public,” Drake said. Operating since 2004, Genesis House supports more than 2,500 people annually, serving as a day shelter and offering temporary housing to families in need.

Established in 1916, Cobb is the oldest broiler breeder in the world and relocated its corporate headquarters to Siloam Springs, from Concord, Mass, in 1986. Springdale-based meat producer Tyson Foods purchased Cobb in 1994. The company recently celebrated the opening of a 35,000-square-foot office building in downtown Siloam Springs.