19 Aug 2014 'I will be here to help'

Story and photos
by Callie Sterling

Aaron Reddin has turned his passion of helping the homeless in Arkansas into a full-time career, and he has never been happier.

After being terminated from two homeless shelters for not following policies regarding rationing, Reddin decided to create his own organization. From this concept, “The One” was formed. “My philosophy is that if someone needs something, give it to them,” Reddin said.

“We shouldn’t ration things out to someone in need. We are all about building relationships with people versus keeping tabs on how many pairs of socks we give away.”

Originally from Danville (Yell County), Reddin started The One inside his garage. It has grown dramatically over the last two years. In 2014, they began renting the current building where they house all of the donations they receive. In the near future they hope to buy the building and make it a permanent location for the organization.

All of the members who participate in The One are volunteers with the exception of Reddin. “My board forced me to quit working part-time because I honestly didn’t have time anymore,” Reddin said. “I devote a bare minimum of 70 hours a week to working for The One.”

The organization’s board consists of three members — Brian Thompson, Lisa Harrison and Reddin.    

Reddin’s passion originally stemmed from the awareness of how many unsheltered homeless reside in Central Arkansas. “We have many unsheltered homeless people around,” he said. “When I first started helping out, I called all my friends and collected coats during the winter and then distributed them. Then my organization just grew from there. Winter is definitely our busiest time of year. We have a van that distributes items and food. We like to go where the people are.”

Reddin then created The Field, which is a garden used for growing crops and raising chickens in order to feed the homeless. He and his executive team grow many crops — potatoes, green beans, purple hull peas, tomatoes, corn, carrots and onions. The chickens are used for laying eggs, which are used to feed those in need. There have been three successful rounds of crops that have been distributed.  

“I created The Field because I got tired of seeing the homeless eat things that you or I wouldn’t eat,” Reddin said. “I didn’t want them eating junk anymore. We like to treat them the same as we would anyone.”

In addition to the van that serves Central Arkansas, Reddin has branched out to other homeless populations in Russellville, White County, northeast Arkansas and Atlanta.

“We have three other vehicles that transport items to different locations,” Reddin said. “We have the Russ Bus in Russellville, the Mission Machine that serves White County and northeast Arkansas and Vanlanta that serves Atlanta. We gave the teams that work those areas the freedom to choose a name that fits their location. We are looking to branch out to Houston, Texas next.”

Reddin is also opening a women’s shelter toward the end of August in North Little Rock.  This will be the first time that The One will be able to provide shelter to those in need.

“Right now if you’re a female in Central Arkansas you are put on a waiting list before given shelter, and I am not OK with that,” Reddin said. “There are mothers who are sleeping in cars or on the streets with their children. I don’t want them to have to wait days or even weeks before being able to sleep indoors.”

The One is currently in need of bug spray, sunscreen, socks and undergarments for males and females. They are also seeking volunteers to help with gardening and various organizational activities at the warehouse.

For more information about how to get involved with The One, visit facebook.com/ItsTheVan. Cash donations are also accepted.

“I’m never going to stop helping those in need,” Reddin said. “Even if the money runs dry and we don’t have any assistance anymore, I will find a way. I would love for us to run ourselves out of business and there not be any homelessness in our community. I would love to have to get a job that I enjoy less if that meant that people were no longer in need, but until then, I will be here to help.”