Hope Campus finances improve, but director still pushing for support

The immediate financial threat facing the Hope Campus in downtown Fort Smith has relented thanks in part to the agency having to lay off six employees, or about 27% of total staff, according to Executive Director Kasey Wilson.

Despite what Wilson said has been “really amazing community support,” he said the operation continues to face financial issues.

Facing a decline in donations and a disruption in grant funding, Wilson, members of the Hope Campus board, and others in the community took to social media in early July to raise the alarm about the facility’s future.

The bottom line is that Hope Campus laid off six of its 22 employees and reduced some services, including providing a full breakfast. Wilson said in addition to the savings from a reduced workforce and services, around $20,000 was raised in a few days following the media attention of the financial struggles.

“I feel a lot better,” Wilson said. “There is a small (financial) threat, but there are a bunch of people working with us to keep us going. I think we are going to make it through because our community has stepped up in so many ways, whether it’s been with volunteers or through donating.”

He said the staff and board are working to find grant funds and providing matching funds to grants already in place. If they can raise around $100,000 in the remainder of 2025, Wilson said they could stabilize the finances and possibly bring back some of those who were laid off.

Part of the help Wilson hopes to receive is from the city of Fort Smith in the form of partial or full relief from a monthly water bill of around $3,500. Wilson has said water bill relief would be “a major help,” and he has talked with Fort Smith Director Lee Kemp about it.

Kemp said he has talked with Wilson about the water bill, but believes the city needs to take a more comprehensive look at how it helps address homeless issues and works with agencies who try to help the homeless.

“Yes, I’ve been in communication with Kasey and others at Hope Campus regarding their utility costs, and I’ve also been actively involved in broader conversations around how our city approaches homelessness,” Kemp noted in a statement sent to Talk Business & Politics. “Ultimately, I’m in favor of a model that directs people toward resources, provides a clear path for help, and fosters a shared sense of responsibility throughout the entire community. When we do that well, those who want help can get it — and those who are unwilling to participate will move on.”