Mountain Home Churches Expand Faith-Based Homeless Ministry as City Cuts Social Services Budget

A coalition of churches in Mountain Home has significantly expanded its faith-based homeless outreach ministry, stepping in to fill a critical gap after the city council voted in April to eliminate funding for the municipal social services program that had previously served the community's homeless population.

The expanded ministry, known as "Mountain Home Cares," now operates a 40-bed overnight shelter at First Baptist Church, a daily meal program serving breakfast and dinner at three participating churches, and a job placement assistance program that has already helped 14 individuals find employment since its launch in May.

The City's Decision

In April, the Mountain Home City Council voted 4-2 to eliminate the $87,000 annual budget for the city's Community Outreach Program, which had funded a part-time social services coordinator, emergency rental assistance, and a small daytime warming center during the winter months.

Council members who supported the cut cited budget constraints and questioned whether municipal government should be in the business of providing social services. "I have sympathy for those in need, but the city government's job is roads, water, and public safety — not social work," said Councilman Robert Marler at the time of the vote.

The decision drew criticism from some residents and advocacy groups, who warned that the cut would leave the community's most vulnerable without support. But city officials said they expected local nonprofits and churches to step in — and that's exactly what happened.

Churches Step Up

Within weeks of the council's vote, a coalition of seven Mountain Home churches came together to form "Mountain Home Cares." The coalition is led by Pastor Daniel Roberts of First Baptist Church and includes congregations from across the city's faith community.

"When the city cut the program, we had two choices," Pastor Roberts said. "We could complain, or we could act. We chose to act. The Bible tells us to care for the least of these — to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and clothe the naked. That's not a government job. That's a church job. And we're doing it."

The program operates entirely on private donations and volunteer labor. In the first two months since its expansion, the coalition has raised more than $42,000 in donations from local businesses, church congregations, and individual community members. More than 150 volunteers have signed up to serve meals, staff the overnight shelter, and provide transportation.

What the Program Offers

Mountain Home Cares provides a comprehensive approach to homelessness, offering:

Overnight Shelter. First Baptist Church's fellowship hall has been converted into a 40-bed overnight shelter, open seven days a week from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The shelter is staffed by volunteer teams from the participating churches and provides beds, hot showers, and clean clothing.

Meal Program. Three churches — First Baptist, First United Methodist, and Harvest Church — rotate hosting daily breakfast and dinner service. The meals are prepared by church volunteers and funded by donations. The program serves an average of 65 meals per day.

Job Placement Assistance. The coalition has partnered with local businesses — including Baxter Healthcare, Wal-Mart, and several local restaurants — to help individuals experiencing homelessness find employment. A volunteer job coach works with participants to prepare resumes, practice interview skills, and connect them with employers.

Case Management. Volunteer social workers from the participating congregations provide individualized case management, helping participants navigate housing assistance, veterans' benefits, disability applications, and addiction treatment resources.

"We don't just hand someone a sandwich and send them back to the street," Pastor Roberts said. "We walk with them. We get to know them. We help them get back on their feet. That's what Christian love looks like in action."

A Growing Need in a Small Community

Mountain Home, the county seat of Baxter County in north-central Arkansas, has a population of approximately 13,000. But the broader Baxter County area, which includes several smaller communities around Norfork Lake, has a population of approximately 42,000.

While Mountain Home is often associated with its thriving retirement community and its reputation as a tourism destination, it also has a significant homeless population. A 2025 point-in-time count conducted by the Baxter County Homeless Coalition identified 87 individuals experiencing homelessness in the county — a number that local advocates say is almost certainly an undercount.

"The need is real," said coalition volunteer coordinator Susan Watkins. "These are our neighbors. Some are veterans. Some have lost jobs. Some are dealing with addiction or mental health issues. They're not strangers. They're part of our community, and they need our help."

The Impact So Far

In the two months since the expanded program launched, Mountain Home Cares has served more than 3,900 meals, provided 840 overnight shelter stays, and helped 14 individuals transition into permanent housing or employment.

One of those individuals is Michael, a 45-year-old Army veteran who became homeless after losing his job at a local manufacturing plant last year. (His last name is being withheld to protect his privacy.)

"I was sleeping in my truck behind a gas station," Michael said. "I didn't know where to turn. Then someone told me about the shelter at First Baptist. They gave me a bed, they gave me meals, and they helped me find a job at Baxter Healthcare. I start Monday. I don't know where I'd be without these people."

Pastor Roberts said stories like Michael's are why the ministry exists. "This isn't about politics," he said. "This isn't about budgets. This is about people. And when the church steps up, lives change."

What Happens Next

The coalition is currently raising funds to lease a permanent facility that would allow the program to expand beyond the participating churches. Pastor Roberts said the goal is to raise $250,000 to secure a building, renovate it, and cover operating expenses for the first year.

"We're not going back to the city council to ask for money," Pastor Roberts said. "We don't need government to do what the church is called to do. We just need the community to stand with us."

Mountain Home Mayor Alice Cook, who supported the city's social services program and opposed the council's decision to cut it, praised the coalition's work. "What these churches have done is remarkable," Mayor Cook said. "They've shown what a community can do when people of faith come together to serve their neighbors. It's a testament to the heart of Mountain Home."