The city council this week approved the submission of the Community Development Agency’s (CDA) five-year action plan to the federal government. The CDA is slated to receive upwards of four million dollars next year from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to assist residents in securing affordable housing.
During his presentation before the council CDA Director Michael Dion updated the city’s homeless situation. He said Fall River fares better than other communities across the Commonwealth on the number of homeless and those providing services.
The city is working on increasing the number of shelter beds at Steppingstone’s First Step Inn. The shelter typically reduces the number of beads during the warmer months.
Mr. Dion also addressed the recent end of services offered to the homeless by the Timao Center on Bay Street. The program closed last month after city COVID funds ran dry. He said the city will continue to work with the organization to find the resources to resume their day drop-in services.
Also in the plan are remedies to address the city’s vacant properties.
