The Helping Hand of Greater Little Rock is synonymous with helping those in need, but its work is harder now than ever as the nonprofit grapples with the effects of federal funding cuts.
Helping Hand was started in June 1970 as a project of Catholic Charities and has spent the past 55 years providing nutritious food, financial assistance, school supplies, toys and special meals throughout the holidays.
Located in the former St. Bartholomew High School campus on Marshall Street in Little Rock since 1991, it serves more than 2,700 Arkansans each month. Clients can visit to receive a bag of canned goods and other items, including macaroni and cheese, rice and dry beans. Visitors can also receive bread and meat on a first-come, first-served basis.
Recent federal funding cuts have impacted Helping Hand, making it harder to serve the vulnerable and marginalized. In March, the United States Department of Agriculture canceled $1 billion in grants to food banks and schools to buy food from local farmers and ranchers.
“We go to the (Arkansas) Foodbank every Wednesday. The first and third Wednesdays, we pick up USDA food, and that has been cut drastically, which has reduced what we can give to our clients,” said executive director Gayle Priddy. “We used to give (clients) anywhere from seven to nine cans. Now it’s five cans.”
The budget cuts have created more families in need, who, in turn, have to visit food pantries to make ends meet. The result is that not every family is receiving help.
“I would say we probably turned away 12 families, at least,” Priddy said of the morning’s food service Sept. 2. “We probably have enough food to handle about 100 families.”
Volunteer Margaret Douglas will assume the executive director position when Priddy retires Oct. 1. She is particularly concerned about the impact on the most vulnerable.
“A lady approached me outside today, and she wanted to know why we didn’t have meat anymore. I told her that we have meat, it’s just that you have to come early, or it’ll run out. It’s really sad, especially when there are children in the home, or when they’re elderly,” she said.
Even grocery stores are feeling the squeeze.
“We’re seeing less and less meat and produce coming from the grocery stores because they’re cutting back on what they’re able to donate,” Priddy said. “… We’re in a food desert. We have two low-income high-rises near here where our clients walk or ride the bus to come here.”
Federal grant funding used to fund important projects and services has also been cut or frozen.
“We apply for grants through United Way for FEMA, and we use that money for rent. You can use it for food, utilities or rent. We use it for rent because we were able to get other grants to help with utility assistance,” Priddy said.
The funds were used to cover up to $500 in monthly rent for those in need.
Helping Hand applied for funds last year, which were approved for 2025. Before they could receive the funds, the Trump administration froze them.
“We’re getting calls every day from young mothers, single mothers. They’re being evicted, someone is elderly and on oxygen, or it’s a mother who has a disabled child who is going to be out on the street,” Priddy said. “… We feel terrible that we cannot help.”
On Aug. 21, members of Pax Christi Little Rock heard from Priddy on the impact of funding cuts on Helping Hand’s work. Pax Christi president Mary Hunt told Arkansas Catholic that she’s concerned about the domino effect of funding cuts.
“Pax Christi Little Rock is deeply concerned about those in our community facing hardship,” she said. “We strongly believe that additional funding is essential and a lifeline for these families.”
As Douglas prepares to take the reins at Helping Hand, she’s preparing to help more people with less than before.
“I’m worried about our people,” she said. “The things that we do here at Helping Hand now we’ll probably be doing more of in the years to follow.”
But Douglas is also aware of the important role that Helping Hand plays in spiritual support.
“We not only offer a brown bag of food, but we also offer spiritual and mental support. They come in and tell us everything,” she said. “They tell us if somebody has passed in the family. … We’ve been here so long, and that’s what makes a difference to any place, especially here. The people feel that we’re part of their family, and they’re part of ours. … We have people come in and ask for prayer. … So I really want to encourage that. I want people to know that we’re here for them. We try to remember something about everybody who comes here. … They just want somebody to notice them.”
“And to treat them with respect,” Priddy added.
How you can help
Helping Hand accepts donations of food and money. Some items, such as diapers in larger sizes, are in high demand. To determine what items Helping Hand needs, contact them at (501) 372-4388. You can also make a monetary donation at lrhelpinghand.com/donate.
