ROGERS (KFSM)- Souls Harbor NWA is building a new kitchen and dining hall for homeless men living in their transitional program. They hope to raise $30,000 by Christmas.
It's a quarter of a million dollar project, according to Joel Atchison, executive director. He said they expect to complete it for less than $100,000 since volunteers and area businesses have donated materials and their time in the construction process.
The new kitchen and dining hall is called "The Mustard Seed."
There are 20 men who live at Souls Harbor NWA on 2nd street in Rogers. The organization provides long-term shelter, food and clothing, and job opportunities for free.
John Lee is one of the men who lives in the program. He said the new dining hall will make a difference in their lives as they work to get back on their feet.
The current kitchen is rundown. It even has an oven that's more than 100 years old.
"The top stove works but the oven doesn't work, the flat top doesn't work anymore," Lee said.
That's why getting a new kitchen and dining hall is a major upgrade.
"This brand new facility and all of the volunteers, it's awesome because we have a brand new place to eat, it's safe, it's warm and it's new," Lee said.
He has a culinary degree from Las Vegas. He moved to Eureka Springs, was laid off from his job and left without a home.
"I didn't have a place to go so I did some research on the Internet and found this place, and God willing I came here trying to start all over again," Lee said.
At Souls Harbor NWA the men aren't judged, they're given a second chance.
"The guys are coming from hospitals, jails and prisons," Atchison said. "We have everyday people who are just hit with bad luck or have separated from their families."
"It's really for all men and we only serve men who are ready to make changes," he said.
The men will soon cook and eat at The Mustard Seed thanks to dozens who have given their time and donated materials. Atchison encourages community members to be part of the project.
"The Mustard Seed is an open door," Atchison said. "We want the community to come, help us prepare meals, create added value products out of the garden, share recipes, teach and come hang out," Atchison said.
Lee said he wants to get back into the culinary field and hopes to use his skills in this new kitchen.
"I think having a meal together, all of us together brings camaraderie," Lee said. "It makes us realize that we are not alone, we can share a conversation and just be a family."
"It's a family away from your family and for some of us who don't have families anymore, it means a lot," Lee said.
The project is expected to be complete by the second week in January.
Click here for more information on how you can help out.