FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — New Beginnings NWA offers temporary housing to unhoused people but will soon provide medical services to them after they are discharged through its new program, “A Place to Heal.”

“I hope that this is the beginning because the need is great,” said Janet Gardner, director of health care for New Beginnings NWA.

Gardner is helping launch new on-campus medical services.

“I had a client one time that was not housed, and we had to work on keeping their wound from getting infected,” said Gardner.

She says with proper care, a wound can heal in up to 30 days, but for those living on the streets or in a tent, it might take up to 6 months.

New Beginnings Executive Director, Solomon Burchfield says he’s seen how important it is to have medical services and space available.

“Think about somebody who’s getting out of the hospital but doesn’t have a home. They’re camping in a tent. They don’t have access to hygiene facilities,” said Burchfield.

Gardner plans to bring her nursing experience and medical student volunteers to the new program.

“I’m thankful for this opportunity to share what medical respite is,” said Gardner.

The Fayetteville Planning Commission gave the green light on Monday for the new program.

“It’s really a team effort. So we’re all very excited to get this green light from Planning Commission,” said Burchfield.

It will include four cabins on the New Beginnings NWA campus for people to get medical care. This includes wound care, over-the-counter medications, and a safe space to heal. The program is partnered with Washington Regional Medical Center to bring volunteers and medical resources.

Gardner says these resources will help keep people out of the hospital.

“We could help them heal their wounds with the care of their primary doctor. Before they had to be in the hospital. That would be the goal,” said Gardener.

Burchfield says a soft opening is set for April, but a full opening will take place in June.