Pantry opening date updated
Raven’s Nest Food Pantry at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St,, will be open June 14. The press release announced an incorrect date last week.
The pantry will be open from 8-9:30 a.m. June 14 or until all the food has been given away. Food will be distributed on a first come, first-served basis.
Participants must bring a picture identification, according to the release.
Agency to repair low-income homes free
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Communities Unlimited Inc., is seeking at least 151 low-income homes to repair free in Jefferson and Desha counties in Arkansas and Coahoma and Humphreys counties in Mississippi.
Communities Unlimited, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has been awarded a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to launch the Healthy Homes Housing Repair Program in these areas, according to a news release.
This program will provide critical home repairs — including roof replacements, mold remediation, plumbing, and more through 2028.
The homeowner application process will begin soon and the agency is also looking to connect with local contractors to carry out the repair work.
The program is designed to improve the quality of life for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities by completing critical home repairs that directly impact health and safety.
Repairs will focus on issues such as mold and moisture mitigation, roof replacement, plumbing and electrical system improvements, weatherization, pest management, and removal of safety hazards.
The work will be guided by HUD’s Eight Healthy Homes Principles, which promote dry, clean, safe, well-ventilated, pest-free, contaminant-free, well-maintained, and thermally controlled living environments.
“Everyone deserves to live in a home free from toxic chemicals, asthma triggers, and other hazards,” said Audra Butler, Communities Unlimited’s area director of Rural Housing. “Through our Healthy Homes program, Communities Unlimited will support communities in addressing housing-related health and safety issues and ensure our neighbors have safe homes that are energy efficient and stand strong against natural disasters.”
Vinetria Johnson is the Communities Unlimited community housing facilitator.
“Too many families out here are living in homes that just aren’t safe,” said Johnson. “This program means they no longer have to keep putting off repairs they can’t afford. It’s going to bring real relief to people who’ve been trying to make do on their own for far too long. I’m also excited to help CU launch its Housing work in Mississippi.”
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Each participating household will receive a Healthy Homes Assessment and work with Communities Unlimited to develop an Individualized Preservation Plan (IPP).
These plans will prioritize immediate needs, outline future maintenance, and connect homeowners to resources for long-term housing sustainability and disaster resilience.
The program is scheduled to run through 2028, with homeowner intake launching soon.
Eligible homeowners must live in a single-family, owner-occupied home that serves as their primary residence and have a household income at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI).
Communities Unlimited is also seeking qualified local contractors to complete repair work in the four target counties. Interested contractors can call (479) 443-2700 for more information.
Applications will be available online soon and shared through local partners and community organizations in each county.
For details, visit www.communitiesu.org or call (479) 443-2700 or contact Vinetria Johnson at (601) 447-8117 or vinetria.johnson@communitiesu.org.
Locals among district farm families
The 78th annual Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program has announced its eight district farm families, including one from southeast Arkansas.
In the Southeast District, the Hoover family of Monticello (Drew County) is the District Farm Family. Charles and Carolyn Hoover have been farming for 49 years, according to a news release from the Arkansas Farm Bureau.
The Hoovers raise cattle and grow hay on more than 900 acres, along with operating a logging business. They have two adult children who assist with the farm.
Judges will visit these farms to determine the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year, who will be announced Dec. 12. The Arkansas Farm Family will go on to represent the state at the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year competition.
For the list of other district farm families and details, visit www.arfb.com.
Area Agency continues fan drive
The Beat the Heat Annual Fan Drive will continue through June 30,2025 at Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas in these counties: Arkansas, Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Cleveland, Desha, Drew, Grant, Lincoln and Jefferson.
The fan drive began May 30, according to a news release. Those who are interested in donating a fan or an air conditioner, should call the Area Agency in their county. All donations will remain in their designated county.
For applicants to receive a fan, they must be disabled or 60 years old or older. After applying for a fan, the person’s name will be placed on a waiting list. The applicant will be notified by a case manager or the coordinator with the date and time the fan may be picked up.
Distributing of the fans will depend on the number of fans received. Applicants will be asked to present their ID and award letter from Social Security or Department of Human Services.
If the agency should receive air conditioners, to apply for one an applicant must have a doctor’s statement with the diagnosis indicated, their ID, and award letter.
Details: Carolyn Ferguson, (870) 543-6309 or Pauline Jones, 543-6313 in Jefferson County.