Little Rock Nonprofit Aims to Support Homeless Veterans

“I’m always that one call away,” said Latoria Lea Compton, founder and executive director of the Gentle Promise Foundation, regarding her commitment to supporting local veterans.

The Little Rock nonprofit is working to provide housing resources and community support for veterans experiencing homelessness, KATV reported.

Compton launched the organization after seeing veterans struggling in public spaces, noting that many who served the community return home to find nothing. The mission focuses on offering hope, stability, and a chance for individuals to rebuild their lives through direct assistance and resource connection.

The Gentle Promise Foundation operates with a focus on stability and independence. Compton serves as a case manager, acting as a spokesperson and a primary point of contact for those in need of various services.

The organization aims to bridge the gap between veterans and the community resources they require. This includes assistance with:

Food security
Emergency shelter
Emergency services
General community-provided resources

“The plan is to help them become more stable, independent, and also just share any type of resources that I can help out,” Compton told KATV.

Little rock skyline with broadway bridge and the arkansas river

The foundation’s name is a deliberate choice intended to reflect the nature of its outreach. Compton explained that the word “gentle” represents a simple, straightforward approach to community aid.

“Well, gentle is just easy. It’s just it is cut dry and simple. I love to be gentle when you’re helping, especially when it comes down to community. Just gentle and giving a promise,” Compton said.

The motivation behind the foundation stems from the visible hardship of former service members in the Little Rock area. Compton noted the emotional difficulty of witnessing veterans living on the side of the road or within the community after their period of service.

“They literally have served for our community, and it’s like they come home to nothing, and that just does something to me,” Compton told KATV.

The foundation's work highlights a social challenge: ensuring that those who sacrificed for the community are not forgotten once they transition to civilian life. Compton emphasized that every veteran deserves dignity, respect, and a safe place to call home.

While the foundation focuses on immediate needs like food and shelter, the long-term goal is to foster independence. By connecting individuals to existing community support, the organization seeks to create a more sustainable path toward permanent housing.

The foundation relies on local support to expand its reach. Compton has called on community members to contribute through various means to ensure the organization can continue its work.

“Yes, the community can help by giving donations, volunteering. I’m open to any type of partnership, any contribute, big or small, it would definitely help out,” Compton said.

For veterans seeking assistance, the foundation has established multiple ways to connect. An intake process is available via the organization’s website for those who prefer not to make direct contact initially. The foundation can also be reached through its email address, [email protected], or by calling 501-773-3336.

“So my message is to all veterans: Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You served our community, and now it’s our responsibility as a community to make sure you’re not forgotten,” Compton said.

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