How it all began.

With more than an estimated 500,000 residents in Benton and Washington counties, it is staggering to think that about 13% are living at or near the national poverty level.  This is why in 2015, a group of concerned citizens started the Essentials Outreach program.  

After working with local and area experts, a gap in services for rural, low-income families and individuals emerged. Shelter and temporary housing programs were working to support those who were homeless or in transition. Food pantries were clearly helping fill the need for those who were dealing with food insecurity.  However, food pantries were rarely able to provide a specific set of items desperately needed by those living at or below the poverty line.

Essentials Outreach developed a list of the 10 most requested items such as laundry detergent, shaving cream, razors, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. It has been delivering pre-packaged bundles of products to thousands of low-income residents in Benton and Washington counties. 

Today.

Since its humble beginnings in 2015, Essentials Outreach has grown into a 100% volunteer driven organization that is serving thousands of families and individuals.  On the third Saturday of every month between 10 AM and 11 AM, hundreds of families and individuals visit our four distribution locations in Decatur, Gravette, Greenland, and Lincoln.  

Distribution Locations.

Gravette, Lincoln, Greenland - Every 3rd Saturday 10 to 11 AM .

Decatur- Every 2nd Thursday 1 to 4 PM.

Between Delivery Days.

Our staff works daily seeking product donations and coordinating product pickups.  

We also coordinate community, church, and school product drives from the many local organizations. These help us by raising desperately needed money to purchase product or by collecting useable products from others in their communities.