A safe place for families experiencing poverty and homelessness.
A Family & Medical Respite Shelter in Conway
A decade in the making, The Refuge is Conway’s first emergency shelter for homeless families.
43
Families sheltered in 8 months
78
Children sheltered in 8 months
15,945
Arkansas school age children were homeless in May 2026
46
Evictions were prevented so far this year
6,059
Nights of shelter provided
74
Resources connected with Residents this year
Crisis often leaves families with no where to go.
A family facing homelessness in Conway had two options: leave town, or sleep somewhere unsafe.
A decade in the making, The Refuge is county's first emergency shelter specifically created for homeless families with children.
This program includes a holistic approach to helping families go from the crisis of homelessness to long-term housing and independence.
-
We allow whole families, regardless of size or make up, to stay together during their stay at the Refuge.
-
We provide a medical respite rooms to those who are homeless and being discharged from the hospital to recover.
-
Every household receives a dedicated case manager who works alongside families to create individualized plans to help move them from the shelter to long-term housing.
Data that tells a story.
In our community, the numbers show real lives. One in four Arkansas children are facing food insecurity. this means missed breakfasts, parents skipping meals, and poor nutrition leading to health issues. Rising homelessness and ongoing poverty lead neighbors into shelters, motels, overcrowded or unsafe living arrangements, or sleeping in cars. Every bar on a chart and dot on a map is a family juggling bills, a single parent working extra shifts, or an elder choosing between medicine and food.Since December 2025
The Storehouse Pantry
Our Approach
Our proven pathway moves families from crisis to independence through one organization.
Safe shelter that’s backed by
Proven, holistic programming.
The Conway Ministry Center has spent over 10+ years creating services and programs to move clients from crisis to stability by providing access to food, clothing, case management, financial resources, and medical care.
Safe shelter that provides
More than a roof.
The Refuge combines emergency shelter and medical respite care with personalized case management so families can recover from the crisis and plan their next steps under one roof, together, with support.
Safe shelter that is built on
Active resident participation.
Our Residents actively participate in creating individualized case management plans that prioritize their unique family dynamics while outlining clear milestones and action steps that help them achieve independence.
STORIES OF RENEWAL.
Real People. Real Stories.
Who We've Served
"The Refuge didn't just give me a bed. They believed in me until I could believe in myself again."
— BRITTANY, FORMER CLIENT
How families find stability here.
By providing all our services under one organization, we simplify the process for Residents to move from a housing crisis to long-term independence.
Other Available Programs
We meet families and individuals where they are with programs built for lasting impact.
The Storehouse
A client-choice food pantry providing groceries, hygiene supplies, and household essentials to families in need.
Free Medical Clinic
Weekly medical clinic providing access to free medical care to those who cannot afford primary care.
Rapid Rehousing
Moving families from homelessness to permanent housing with utility and rental assistance.
The Hub
A daily program offering basic homeless services including non-perishable food packs, access to drinking water, and outdoor living supplies.
Inside the Refuge & Community
EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS.
Your Gift Creates
Lasting Change
Every dollar you donate directly empowers families in our local community.
From providing hot, nutritious meals to securing safe transitional housing, your generosity bridges the gap between crisis and hope.
43% of Arkansas Families at Risk
Nearly half of Arkansas families with children in the home are living on incomes that are not enough to cover basic living expenses month-to-month.