FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — With the start of the fall semester at the University of Arkansas comes the ‘red zone,’ a period from the start of classes to Thanksgiving break when there’s a higher risk of sexual violence than at any other point in the year.
The risk increases due to events like football games, Greek initiation and other new environments for students, like nights out on Dickson Street.
To help reduce the risk of harm, a popular late-night food spot, Yancey’s Dickson Street Dogs, is offering a safe place on Dickson Street for anyone who needs it.
Cody Yancey, owner of Yancey’s, is a Razorback alumnus, United States Army veteran and a Northwest Arkansas native. He offers his cart as a safe spot for anyone who may need help.
“Oftentimes, I’m here at least until 4 a.m., if not later, and there’s just not a lot of people out there, especially any businesses open that even see it. So I’m uniquely positioned in the right place to help, and I’m certainly willing to help,” Yancey said.
Yancey offers his establishment a place for anyone to sit if you’re in an uncomfortable situation, need help getting home, or need to charge your phone. Yancey says no questions will be asked, and no purchase is required.
“Whatever it is, they’re welcome to come hang out with us. And, we’ve got ice-cold water and some food, which helps sometimes. But oftentimes, you just need a safe, calm area to be for a little bit and maybe something to help. So we’re happy to do that,” Yancey.
Yancey adds he has been trained on recognizing opioid overdose, along with carrying Naloxone kits in his cart. Yancey wants to reach beyond selling hot dogs, which he’s done for the last two decades.
“After I graduated college and decided I want to continue doing this, you kind of want your career to check a few more boxes. So, I found a way to do that. It means a lot to me to be able to give back to the community. It means that what I’ve chosen for a career is more meaningful to me,” Yancey said.
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