Work Here. Live Here.: Transforming the Land of Steel One Home at a Time
Mississippi County is on the rise, and the “Work Here. Live Here.” program (WHLH) is at the heart of this transformation. Designed to incentivize employees of local industries to plant their roots in the community, WHLH has already made a massive impact—122 homes and counting!
The Economic and Demographic Impact
When it comes to impact, the numbers speak for themselves:
$3.3 million total has been invested into WHLH.
$36.1 million in new home value has been generated.
33% of homes in the program are new constructions.
60% of participants are first-time homebuyers.
38% of homeowners moved in from outside Mississippi County.
New residents have relocated from eight different states outside of Arkansas.
The average homeowner age is 32.
Big Industries with Big Investments
So far, the program has received a commitment of over $5.5 million from Mississippi County’s steel industry alone. Big River Steel (BRS) in particular has invested $3 million into WHLH so far, helping employees find homes right in the county where they work.
And it’s paying off—95 of the WHLH homes belong to BRS employees. That’s a game-changer for local growth and development.
New Industry Partners Fuel Growth
The momentum doesn’t stop with BRS. Edward C. Levy Co. and Hybar Steel have both recently signed on, further solidifying WHLH’s reach. Together, these two companies are investing over $1 million into the program for their employees.
A Program That’s Expanding
WHLH's success isn’t confined to Mississippi County—the program is gaining attention statewide. The WHLH model is proving so effective that other regions in the state are looking to replicate its impact, especially in northwest and southern Arkansas.
Ready to move?
For employees of participating companies, joining WHLH is a simple process. Visit workhereliveherear.com and click “Apply Now” to get started. If you’re unsure whether your employer is involved, a full list of participating companies is available on the website. For additional details, reach out to any of the listed contacts to learn more about how you can call Mississippi County home.
With the “Work Here. Live Here.” program thriving, industries investing and new families settling in, Mississippi County is setting an example for workforce-driven community development. As the program continues to grow and expand beyond its borders, one thing is clear: Mississippi County isn’t just a place to work—it’s a place to call home.
For more information, visit: workhereliveherear.com