17 Feb 2025 First Security Bank Conway supports new emergency shelter

Posted at 3:06 PMh in News by

First Security Bank Conway is supporting efforts to develop an emergency shelter in Conway. They worked with Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas on a matching grant that resulted in a $30,000 donation on Jan. 13.

Rusty Mosley (from left), a commercial lender with First Security Bank Conway (FSBC); Stefanie Vann, VP and marketing officer of FSBC; Bruce Hatton, community marketing and outreach manager of Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Dallas; Spring Hunter, executive director of Conway Ministry Center and The Refuge; Johnny Adams, Conway market president of FSBC; and Mike Hutsell, director of First Security Bank and FHLB board member.

The donation will be used to help purchase a 22-unit motel that will be converted into studio shelter units to house families with children and vulnerable individuals with medical needs, according to the Conway Ministry Center website.

“First Security had the opportunity to match a grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas to support this important project,” said Stefanie Vann, vice president and marketing officer for First Security Bank Conway. “We are proud to support such an amazing organization and are excited for the future of The Refuge serving a great need for our community.”

Named The Refuge, the future emergency shelter is located at 134 Harkrider in Conway. Spring Hunter, executive director of Conway Ministry Center and The Refuge, said there is a great need for an apartment-type setting for homeless people who are discharged from a hospital and need home health services as they recuperate, as well as for families with children. The purchase price is $2 million, the renovation work will cost $400,000 and the first-year operating budget is projected to be $500,000.

This effort is Conway’s innovative solution to a huge concern for people with medical needs and for families with children. According to conwayministrycenter.org, in December of 2023, school districts in Faulkner, Perry and Conway counties reported 1,802 homeless children attending their schools. Donations to the 501(c)(3) organization are accepted by check or can be made online.

First Security Bank Conway has served the financial needs of customers in Faulkner County since 1991. It is one of the bank’s 76 locations throughout the state, with headquarters in Searcy (White County).