After five years, Hamilton Haven continues on its journey
PRESCOTT — Faith, prayer, and a desire to serve drives a group of local volunteers in their efforts to aid those who require short-term temporary emergency housing.
Nonprofit Hamilton Haven opened in April 2020 after two years of renovations which saw the community working together.
The group hosted its first neighbors in August 2020 in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura, a major storm which made landfall in Louisiana.
The term “neighbor” is used intentionally by the Hamilton Haven team.
“We want those we serve to feel like part of the community,” said Hamilton Haven executive director Michele Hamilton Rhodes.
A house on East Second Street was purchased following several house fires around Prescott late in 2017, which highlighted the fact that no local facility existed for families and individuals who needed temporary housing.
“It was as though God wanted us to have it — the house probably should have been torn down,” Rhodes said.
Renovations began in April 2018, with enthusiastic support of many who supported this vision with their dedication, energy, finances, skills, and time.
“It’s been amazing to see how God has blessed us,” said assistant executive director Christy Higginbotham.
Hamilton Haven is moving forward with a project known as Phase II.
“We’re updating another location,” Rhodes said. “The idea is to welcome those who may need extended time to go from crisis to stability.”
Hamilton Haven is a 501(c)(3) organization and designated as a public charity by the Internal Revenue Service. Contributions are tax deductible and can be made via the web at hamiltonhaven.org or by mail to P.O. Box 1333, Prescott, AR 71857. Anyone interested in contributing, volunteering or receiving more information can contact Michele Hamilton Rhodes at 870-403-8096 or Nathan Tidwell at 501-687-7844. Hamilton Haven can be reached via e-mail at hamiltonhaven1@gmail.com, on Facebook (@HamiltonHaven71857), Instagram (hamiltonhaven870), and X (formerly Twitter) (@HamiltonHaven1).