Through a partnership among city government, local non-profits and faith-based organizations, Fall River now has a permanent overflow homeless shelter just as the city enters the winter season.
The shelter is located at the Timao Center at Solomon’s Porch Church on Bay Street. It will work with the First Step inn at Steppingstone, Inc. to handle the increase in serving the homeless that comes with the colder winter months. The First Step Inn has had its capacity reduced due to COVID-19 from 50 to 35 beds. The overflow shelter will provide accommodations for 10 female and 20 male clients. The overflow shelter will initially operate for the next 18 weeks but can also be made available anytime during the year if the need arises.
Rosa Medeiros of Steppingstone, Inc. says the addition of homeless beds is sorely needed.
Funding for the project was provided from local private donations as well as money from the city’s Community Development Agency.
It was simultaneously announced that Fall River Police will be working as part of a COVID-19 street outreach program, utilizing city and Steppingstone personnel in identifying those who are homeless and finding the support and shelter they need. Police Chief Jeffrey Cardoza says working with experts in the field will allow officers to better identify those who need assistance.
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