HELD Housing Initiative, Inc.: Pioneering a Holistic Model for Shared Recovery Housing

Hal and Lisa Bell Henson bring their transformative journey to life through HELD Housing Initiative, Inc.

Farmington, AR - May 19, 2023 - Hal and Lisa Bell Henson, the husband and wife co-founders of HELD Housing Initiative, Inc., proudly announce their groundbreaking venture that aims to revolutionize the concept of shared recovery housing. Their unique and holistic approach stems from their personal stories of resilience and growth, inspiring individuals to find purpose and meaning in the face of adversity. The Hensons have embarked on a mission to create a safe haven where recovery and transformation can flourish, bridging the gap between nowhere and now here.

Hal Henson: A Journey of Recovery, Redemption, and Community Leadership

Hal Henson, the Co-Founder and CEO of HELD Housing Initiative, Inc., brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience to the organization. Overcoming a tumultuous past marred by childhood trauma, substance abuse, and harmful behaviors, Hal has devoted himself to a path of recovery since June 17, 2001. Shared housing played a pivotal role in his early sobriety, allowing him to rebuild his life from the ground up. Today, Hal leverages his personal journey as a mentor, writer, and community leader, empowering individuals and communities to embrace their true potential. His upcoming books, including "FIRESIDE: Daily Meditations for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse" and "NOWHERE to NOW HERE," further demonstrate his dedication to helping others navigate life's challenges.

Lisa Bell Henson: Empowering Holistic Healing and Reclaiming Well-Being

Lisa Bell Henson, RN, serves as the Co-Founder, Vice-President, and Treasurer for HELD Housing Initiative, Inc. With a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Indiana University and a certification as a Holistic Nurse Coach from Integrated Nurse Coach Academy, Lisa brings a unique blend of healthcare expertise and holistic practices to the organization. Her extensive experience since 1993 includes empowering individuals, groups, and cities to reclaim their health and well-being through mindset work, movement, nutritional and cannabinoid supplementation, and life coaching. Lisa's own journey of codependency recovery since 2014 has fueled her passion for supporting others, leading her to establish Flourish, a healing group for women processing trauma, codependency, and loss. Additionally, Lisa is an accomplished author and is currently working on two books, "Disordered Love: Memoirs from a Paper Doll" and "No More Paper Dolls," based on her life experiences.

A Serendipitous Encounter and a Shared Vision

The serendipitous reunion of Hal and Lisa in the fall of 2018, four decades after being student acquaintances in Fort Smith, Arkansas, laid the foundation for their transformative partnership. Initially unaware of their shared past, their paths crossed during a business project, allowing their connection to flourish once their lives were on a healing trajectory. They married on October 18, 2019, and together they nurture their blended family of six children, five grandchildren, and several business teams. Their shared experiences of overcoming personal struggles and embarking on healing journeys have inspired them to create HELD Housing Initiative, an organization that symbolizes their own transformation from interrupted, distorted lives to ones that are healed, restored, and dedicated to serving others.

A Legacy of Compassion and Collaboration

Hal and Lisa Bell Henson are proud to follow in the footsteps of their respective parents, who have made substantial contributions to various charitable causes. Lisa's mother, Gloria White, founded Project Compassion in 1973, celebrating 50 years of nonprofit service in Ft. Smith in April 2023. Similarly, Hal's father was a founding donor for Project Compassion and actively supported organizations such as Hannah House and The Rescue Mission. Now, Hal and Lisa are excited to carry forward their families' legacies of compassion and service through HELD Housing Initiative, Inc.

The Birth of HELD Housing Initiative and its Collaborative Network

HELD Housing Initiative, Inc. came into being as a result of the inspiration and mentorship provided by Kate's House Foundation in Seattle, Washington, in January 2023. Witnessing the success of a similar shared recovery housing foundation that has accommodated over 1,000 residents since 2015, Hal and Lisa realized the urgent need for a new model of shared recovery housing in NWA and the River Valley region. They seized the opportunity to combine Lisa's additional training in Holistic Nurse Coaching with their shared vision for a purpose-driven venture. With the support of family, friends, local stakeholders, and providers, the Hensons breathed life into the project, assembling a team of dedicated professionals and founding board members in May 2023. They have also initiated the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to further solidify their commitment to serving the community.

For more information about HELD Housing Initiative, Inc., please visit www.heldhousinginitiative.com

Contact Information:

Hal Henson
Co-Founder, CEO/President
HELD Housing Initiative, Inc.