Immerse Arkansas Receives $4.5 Million for New Campus
Talk Business & Politics reports that Immerse Arkansas, a Little Rock-based nonprofit, has received a $4.5 million anonymous gift and a 99-year land lease from New Heights Church. This generous donation will be used to establish a short-term housing and campus in Fayetteville for young adults aged 18-24 facing crises, including homelessness and housing instability.
The project is expected to cost $11 million, with $6 million still needed. The campus will accommodate up to 15 young adults at capacity and is scheduled to break ground in 2027. The building's square footage has not yet been determined.
Northwest Arkansas native Scott Bull, named executive director of Immerse NWA last year, will serve as a strategic adviser during Immerse's preparations to build the campus and launch programs in the region. The organization is currently searching for a permanent executive director.
The housing facility and campus will be the first of its kind in Northwest Arkansas. According to the release, approximately one-third (1,700) of Arkansas' foster care youth are 14 years or older. Many face significant challenges in obtaining stable housing, employment, education, and mental health services.
Jim Hall, co-directional leader at New Heights Church, stated, "We believe Immerse is uniquely positioned to address a critical need among vulnerable youth in Northwest Arkansas through its intentional investment in young people facing difficult circumstances."
At Immerse, they aim to create an Arkansas where foster care serves as a launching pad, not a stagnant situation.