FORT SMITH, Ark. — Jessi's House is a one of the only transitional housing programs in the state for LGBTQ+ young adults.
The organization provides housing and teaches life skills to members of the community who are homeless or who would soon be homeless. They're provided with food and necessities as well as assistance from case managers.
However, the group has announced that its rebranding to The Pride Project, and catering to the community, not just those who live in the house.
"We're known as housing, but we want to kind of rebrand and to be more of a community hub, where you can come if you need help budgeting, you can come if you need help signing up for health insurance or food stamps. And we want to be that for the community," said Director of Case Mangers Samantha Holland.
Their vision for the rebrand is expanding services as well as providing more community outreach programs. They're also looking at expanding their housing program.
"We're looking at properties that are outside the city limits where we can hold a higher capacity," Holland said. "You're going to be accepted no matter who you are, no matter what you look like, no matter what you identify as, no matter who you love, no matter what color you are. You can come here, and we'll teach you how to boil an egg."
Holland said the organization recognizes that there's a need in the River Valley for more resources. There is currently a waiting list for residents to move in.
"We might not be able to provide it in housing, but we can provide it in support, or be a foundation for somebody, be a cheerleader," Holland said. "To help you get on Medicaid, for me to help you set up a budget, for me to find you a therapist. You don't have to live here."
Nora Sprinkle has lived at Jessi's house since February and recently got hired on as a staff member, helping transport residents to work or school. She said she is looking forward to the rebrand to help reach more people who need resources.
"I really would like for it to be a little more out there as a beacon, because we're one of the only places for queer youths to feel safe and accepted and helped through life. And I feel like rebranding is gonna give it a better name," Sprinkle said. "I'm excited to see all the new people that may come in and see what it's all about. See all of our new applicants that may come through here, all of our volunteers."
Damien Sheesley has been a resident for almost a year. He said that the home gave him hope, and he wants that for others.
"I was a in a kind of messy situation. I just wasn't really getting my needs met, and I didn't really know what I was going to do," Sheesley said. "I actually feel like I have, like, some sort of, like chosen family, and I'm not alone, and I'm not just having to be in survival mode and depend on myself all the time."
He said he's found family in this community and feels the rebrand will embrace that.
"Not everybody has parents to show them how to do taxes, shows them how to apply for Medicaid, shows them how to do pay bills," Sheesley said. "And I think that'll be very beneficial for the fact that we, most of the time, don't have anyone because our blood family or people we've grown up with like aren't very supportive."
Jessi's House will rebrand to The Pride Project beginning July 1.
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