As Fall River enters the peak of the winter season, the shelter operation organized by Steppingstone, Inc.’s First Step Inn continues to see steady participation among the city’s homeless.
Intake for homeless individuals in Fall River is administered by the First Step Inn on Durfee Street, which houses 50 shelter beds during the winter season. Once filled, 30 individuals can be sheltered nightly at the Timao Center on Bay Street.
Steppingstone’s Director of Homeless Services Rosa Mederios says attendance at the shelters remains high…and the shelter has received a $400,000 state grant to increase beds through early April.
Ms. Medeiros says the motel beds provide flexibility for the organization to aid in sheltering individuals who seek support outside of its normal intake hours.
She also says the makeup of those in the city seeking shelter has shifted to include a broader portion of the population.
Ms. Medeiros says along with the change in the demographics of those who are becoming homeless, questions remain as to when, or if, the numbers of homeless in Fall River will stabilize.
Ms. Medeiros says city leaders and other local social service agencies continue to work together to identify those who are homeless and get them help.
Those in need of shelter should contact the First Step Inn at 508-679-8001.
