Pastor Proposes Vacant Properties as Homeless Resources
Mercy Church's Terrance Long plans to present the proposals to the Little Rock City Board on November 17.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Pastor Terrance Long of Mercy Church has proposed converting vacant properties near Scott Hamilton Road into resources for people experiencing homelessness. Long plans to attend the November 17 Little Rock City Board meeting to make the case.
Why it matters
The church area has a large unsheltered population, and Long says the proposals aim to strengthen the upper Baseline Road community and improve Little Rock. The projects would depend on funding and partnerships with city leaders, businesses, and community organizations.
Mercy Church has provided food, socks, and other necessities on Scott Hamilton Road for 11 years. The projects remain in early stages, and no cost estimates or funding commitments have been reported.
The players
Terrance Long
Pastor of Mercy Church who grew up in southwest Little Rock and is leading the proposals to address homelessness and revitalize the upper Baseline Road area.
Mercy Church
A Little Rock congregation that has spent 11 years providing food, clothing, and other necessities to people along Scott Hamilton Road.
Little Rock City Board
The governing body of Little Rock, Arkansas, whose November 17 meeting is the next venue where Long plans to present the proposals.
The details
Long proposes renovating vacant homes near the church into transitional housing, building a family life center with a gym, showers, and a kitchen, and turning a vacant building into a same-day work, same-day pay facility. The proposals require funding and partnerships with city leaders, businesses, and community organizations.
Timeline
November 17: Long plans to attend the Little Rock City Board meeting to present the proposals.
Philanthropy Outlook
Faith-based outreach groups in Little Rock have historically provided direct aid such as meals and clothing while seeking partnerships with city government for longer-term housing. Long's proposal follows that pattern by pairing a church's existing service work with a request for city-supported redevelopment of vacant property.
If approved and funded, the proposals would add transitional housing, a family life center, and a same-day pay facility near Scott Hamilton Road, affecting people who use these services and nearby residents. Residents should watch the November 17 board agenda for any action on the properties.
The takeaway
Local faith-based outreach can prompt city discussion about underused property, but turning proposals into housing requires funding and partnerships that are not yet in place. Following the November 17 board meeting will show whether city leaders take up the plan.
What happens next
Long plans to attend the Little Rock City Board meeting on November 17 to present his proposals.
Further reading
For more context on giving and nonprofit efforts, explore Philanthropy coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KLRT - FOX16.com.
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Should local churches receive city funding to help the homeless in your neighborhood?
