CEO, Providence Park
It is perhaps no exaggeration to say there are people whose lives will be irrevocably changed for the better thanks to Errin Stanger. As CEO of Providence Park in Little Rock, Stanger oversees a 50-acre tract of welcoming tiny homes in the Mabelvale area designed to provide chronically homeless individuals with stable housing and access to medical, mental health and dental care.
“I feel like the best version of myself when I am helping others,” she said.
When inspiration for Providence Park struck, Stanger, by all accounts, had plenty on her plate. She was executive director of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub in North Little Rock and had an extensive schedule volunteering for institutions such as ACANSA, Argenta Downtown Council and the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. Yet the call to do more beckoned, made even more poignant by a tragic reminder of how fleeting each moment really is.
“Losing my sister to breast cancer when she was just 37 years old changed me forever,” Stanger said. “I was 27 at the time, and her passing taught me a lesson I carry with me every day. Life is precious, and each day is truly a gift.”
Like many, Stanger felt a tug on her heart when passing homeless individuals on her way to work. Rather than ignoring it or chalking it up to life’s unfortunate circumstances, Stanger realized she was in a position to help.
Following her empathy and curiosity led Stanger to Community First! Village in Austin, Texas, a 51-acre community dedicated to providing permanent housing and care for the homeless. Reading up on the village and its founder, Alan Graham, Stanger knew what she was called to do.
Today, Providence Park continues to grow, giving life-changing opportunities to those struggling with housing. Stanger said her goal is to welcome 20 individuals into their forever homes at the park this year. The work can be daunting and emotionally taxing, but Stanger has found joy in the challenge and meaning in being a servant to others.
“My favorite thing about Arkansas is the people,” Stanger said. “I am constantly surrounded by a community that is kind, loving and curious in the best way.”
