Habitat for Humanity hosts Souper Sunday to fund Paragould home

Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Arkansas hosted its 16th annual “Souper Sunday” at the Red Wolf Convention Center in Embassy Suites, uniting local restaurants to serve soups and raise funds for building new homes, KAIT reported.

Fifteen Contenders Vie for the Coveted Ladle

Ticket holders tasted 15 different soups during the event and voted for their favorite. The top contender earned the coveted ladle award.

Funding a New Paragould Family Home

Shania Montgomery, a Habitat for Humanity board member, explained that the proceeds from this year’s event could directly fund a new Habitat Family home in Paragould. If approved, the home comes structured with a 30-year, interest-free loan.

Come see Twin Cities Habitat homeowners and staff at the ballpark this Sunday for the Twins vs. Brewers game! We're the first of five local nonprofits that will be supported this season through the Patch with Purpose program by @securian and @Twins!👏⚾ pic.twitter.com/ONz7AIH848

— https://x.com/tchabitat/status/2054943646613450951

Expanding Beyond the Traditional Footprint

The potential home in Paragould represents a strategic push to expand the nonprofit’s mission beyond its traditional footprint and serve all of Northeast Arkansas. Montgomery emphasized that the event offers a distinct community atmosphere that sets it apart from standard fundraisers.

Interactive Dining and Family-Friendly Additions

“Where do you go and you just get a tray, and you just get some comfort food?” Montgomery asked, as reported by KAIT. “You just get to sit down, and then you get to give your opinion. I mean, most of the time you come to these things…you just go, and you have a good time, and you leave. But we’re asking you to actually tell us what you think.”

To broaden the appeal for families attending the Sunday gathering, organizers introduced a silent auction alongside a dedicated kids’ zone sponsored by Hijinx.

Broader Life Outcomes Through Homeownership

Montgomery noted that securing a home for a local family creates ripple effects that extend far beyond simply providing shelter.

Habitat for Humanity hosts Souper Sunday to fund Paragould home

“It is such an important thing because it actually has shown that people that have homeownership actually have better employability, they have better financial management skills, as well as they also improve their educations along the way,” Montgomery said.