Aaron Reddin to Step Down as Executive Director of The Van

April 14, 2026
Little Rock, AR — Effective immediately, Aaron Reddin, Founder of The One Inc., will step down as the Executive Director. Reddin will remain on the Board of Directors in a consulting position, offering oversight and insight for as long as he is able. He has named a successor, Parker Reid. Reid brings with him a history in social work and a passion to continue the mission of The Van, the better-known outreach arm of The One Inc. “Parker was my choice because I’ve seen his energetic organizing, his commitment to finding ways of providing radical hospitality, and more.” Reddin said,  “He’s a Licensed Master Social Worker and will bring our ability to serve folks up a few notches.”

Reddin describes himself as “an Arky from way back.  You know, old enough to remember when we were all 501.” He’s some weird by-product of the Ouachitas, Ozarks, and the River Valley that was somehow dropped in the middle of Pulaski County a couple of decades ago. He founded The One, Inc. 15 years ago after a few years of working in some stiff world of stationary nonprofit money machines. Aaron has been consistently called and branded a ‘crazy guerrilla homeless advocate.’ He has never contested such.

“I have long held that I was building a legacy; this organization has always been larger than myself. My work has and always will be the honor of my life.” Reddin said, “I set out to bring assistance to folks in the most immediate way that I knew: get my butt out there. I also set out to change the way a community looks at and speaks of those around them in unconventional sleeping situations. I‘m so proud of this work.”

In 2022, Reddin was diagnosed with CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) and has been open about his struggles with his health. CRPS is one of the most painful, incurable diseases known, leading Reddin to face constant treatment and procedures.

“Unfortunately, an event 2 years ago caused the spread of CRPS from my legs into my arms as well. Any decent leader needs to always consider succession. It is time for the organization and team to have a clear-headed and present leader every day.  So, maybe it’s not so much ‘goodbye’ as it is ‘see ya for a bit on my good days.’ The work to do is plenty. The team doing it is committed. I’m just a lucky guy who has been able to see the magic of love, selflessness, opportunity, generosity, and radical hospitality do things I could never find words beautiful enough to explain.”

Reid is a Community Social Worker who graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Master of Social Work Program in 2024. He founded the most recent Central Arkansas chapter of Food Not Bombs, a grassroots group dedicated to supporting the community through mutual aid, and served as a steering committee member for this group for over two years. He started his career in a medical social work position and is now focusing on his passion for community support and connection.

“I am so excited to join The Van in continuing the mission of meeting people wherever they are and supporting however we can, no questions asked.” Reid said of his appointment, “The community and infrastructure built over the years by Aaron is something that is truly special and unique, and I am so grateful to be able to continue what has been built and expand our outreach further.”

As for the future of The One, Inc., Reddin stated, “We have done an unquantifiable amount of outreach in 15 years. I have made the best friends and built a team of wonderful people who just want to help people.  And it’s not stopping by any means. Thanks to the most generous donor base, we have been able to build up assets to ensure this work continues to be a present force for people in our community.”