Fayetteville Appoints First Homelessness Strategy Coordinator

The City of Fayetteville hired Gage Reed as its first Homelessness Strategy Coordinator, a new position designed to coordinate service providers and advance housing initiatives for residents experiencing homelessness.

Reed will manage extreme weather response efforts, expand shelter opportunities, and strengthen partnerships connecting residents to housing and services within the Housing and Community Services Department.

Reed previously served as Day Services Manager at 7hills Homeless Center, where he worked directly with people experiencing homelessness and coordinated with service providers, volunteers, first responders and community partners across Northwest Arkansas. He also worked in mortgage lending and property management and holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Arkansas.

"Gage's relationships within Fayetteville's housing ecosystem and with our unhoused neighbors made him a natural fit," said Marlee Stark, chief housing officer for the City of Fayetteville. "He understands the challenges people face and knows the organizations doing this work every day."

Reed will coordinate extreme weather response, support shelter and housing expansion, and strengthen relationships with landlords participating in the city's HEARTH permanent supportive housing program.

Mayor Molly Rawn said the position reflects the city's broader strategy treating housing affordability, stability and homelessness as interconnected challenges. "One organization cannot solve homelessness alone," she said. "This position helps ensure we are bringing partners together and staying focused on practical solutions."