Little Rock City and World Changers celebrate long-running home-rehab partnership

Little Rock City officials and volunteers celebrated a continuing partnership with the nonprofit World Changers at a community event, saying the program helps renovate homes so homeowners can remain in place. An agency official spoke on behalf of the city, thanked World Changers and local partners, and named Mayor Frank Scott Jr. and Ms. Lowe in remarks of appreciation.

The city representative said the partnership draws on federal, state and local dollars, including "target community development improvement funds," to support renovations across the city. "On behalf of the City of Little Rock, we share our appreciation to World Changers," the official said.

Mr. McCormick of World Changers gave a history of the program, saying volunteers — many students who travel to Little Rock from around the country — come to paint and repair homes as an act of service. "The father that we serve, the God that we serve, is the hero of this story," McCormick said, describing the group’s faith-based mission. He said he has been part of World Changers for 19 years and involved in the Little Rock site for about 15 years.

Organizers framed the work as a partnership among the city, local churches and community groups that helps preserve housing stability for residents. Mr. McCormick thanked volunteers and recounted helping a resident who relied on electric heaters during snowy weather before repairs were completed.

No formal city action or vote took place during the event; organizers presented the program and expressed gratitude to volunteers and partners. The event's organizers said World Changers will continue its renovation work in Little Rock, and city officials encouraged local support for the effort.