Little Rock food blogger Kevin Shalin, also known as “The Mighty Rib,” recently took to social media to help solicit food donations for an emergency shelter in the city. His efforts revealed criticism of city officials regarding their lack of preparation for expected wintry weather. Shalin’s post, referring to a request from Vice Mayor Kathy Webb, sparked confusion and questions about the city’s motives and communication methods.
Aaron Reddin, founder of homelessness advocacy group The Van, commented on Shalin’s post, revealing that the city had rejected nearly $3,000 worth of food he had purchased for the shelter. This raised concerns about the city’s handling of the situation, especially since emergency shelters in Little Rock are often occupied by people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity during inclement weather.
City spokesperson Aaron Sadler explained that the city’s chief homelessness officer had already made food preparations for the shelter, which is why they declined Reddin’s donation. However, Reddin expressed frustration at the lack of communication and coordination with city officials, as he had already made plans to provide food for the shelter’s inhabitants.
The incident highlighted the need for better communication and coordination between city officials, advocacy groups, and volunteers to ensure that emergency shelters are adequately prepared and resourced during extreme weather conditions. Despite the challenges, organizations like The Van continue to work towards providing assistance to those in need, with plans for future collaboration and support for the unhoused population in Little Rock.
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Photo credit arktimes.com
