Next Step Homeless Services is proud to announce the creation of the Next Step Neighborhood, a bridge housing neighborhood located at the intersection of I and South 6th Streets in Fort Smith.
Designed to provide transitional housing and support for individuals experiencing homelessness, the project marks the first step toward restoring dignity, stability, and opportunity. Once completed, the neighborhood will offer 30 safe, private, and secure tiny houses and individualized case management. In addition, the neighborhood will include a communal laundry, dining space, classrooms, clothes closet, meeting space for social workers and residents, and office space for staff.
“This isn’t just about shelter. It’s about security, stabilization, and a path forward,” said Sharon Chapman, Executive Director at Next Step. “Living in the Next Step Neighborhood will be the first step for those who are ready to develop the skills and life style they need to move out of homelessness. By moving our offices and our staff to this new location, we will be better able to interact with our residents 24 hours a day and in a facility designed for their journeys.”
Bridge housing programs provide adults experiencing homelessness with private short-to-medium term housing and individual case management, creating a platform from which they can improve their quality of life. This approach is guided by the belief that people need basic necessities like food and a place to live before attending to further stabilization efforts such as getting a job, budgeting properly or attending to substance use issues. Bridge housing is a lower barrier program and not an emergency shelter. Applicants will be seen by appointment only.
“Most people experiencing homelessness are not unhoused by choice but by circumstance. Many lack access to affordable housing, quality healthcare, and supportive services,” said Susan Tucker, Next Step Board President. “We are in the business of working with humans, each of whom deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. We believe that a community that invests in its residents and in pathways to affordable housing will become a more desirable community.”
A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at the new location of I and South 6th Streets on May 27, 2026, at 10:30 am. Construction is expected to begin soon with completion expected by fall of 2027. The current location at B and North 6th Streets will be closed once the new neighborhood is complete.
MAHG is the architect on the project, and Petree Construction is the General Contractor. Financial support and guidance have been provided by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority and the City of Fort Smith.
For more information on homelessness and how you can support this project, visit www.thenextstepfs.org
For media inquiries, interviews, or partnership opportunities, contact:
Sharon Chapman, Executive Director
479-461-7469