Page 2 - First Step Inn News Today

A bitter blast of Arctic weather is headed our way, and the city’s shelters are trying to make sure no homeless people are left out in the cold.

As SouthCoast communities scramble to prepare for near-hurricane Henri's arrival this weekend, the city of Fall River is reminding residents about hurricane safety.

FALL RIVER — It’s hard enough for kids in the time of COVID-19 not to get caught up in the thoughts of what they are missing in their final years of high school, but a group of Durfee high friends decided that they’d take on a positive project, collecting and distributing items to help the homeless.  And last week, after months of collecting clothes, food, blankets toiletries, and anything else they could get their hands on, the four friends drove a U-Haul full of donations to the...

FALL RIVER — With the help of federal COVID-19 funding, the city is taking a new approach to combat homelessness: reaching out to the homeless and bringing them to the services they need.  “In years past, we had all these homeless people and we didn’t know how to get right to them. We waited until after they asked for help. Now, we go to them and tell them we are here for you if you need us,” said Niki Fontaine, who along with her partner, Marc Pires, are the two new full-time ...

TIVERTON — Rev. William Sterrett is ending his career with a Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. The pastor of Amicable Congregational Church for more than three decades spent Saturday night sleeping in a cardboard box on the lawn of the church, within a few feet of a burn barrel and wooden figurines that were carved on the lawn more than 20 years ago that represent the homeless. Saturday was the 21st year of the sleepout to raise awareness for homelessness, but this time Sterrett, who will retir...

The Herald News Fall River — In response to the upcoming cold weather, the First Step Inn and the Timao Center are prepared to accommodate anyone in need of shelter. Those seeking services should contact the First Step Inn by calling 508-679-8001 or 508-974-9972. The First Step Inn is located at 134 Durfee St. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, individuals will receive a COVID-19 test before being admitted. According to a press release, Fall River’s shelters are currently below capacity and are ...

Fall River Homeless Shelters Prepared for Cold Weather The SouthCoast will see snow and below-freezing temperatures tonight and this weekend. The City of Fall River wants individuals to know that local shelters are prepared to take anyone in need. The homeless population will be supported during the cold weather months despite the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the upcoming cold weather, the First Step Inn and the Timao Center are prepared to accommodate anyone in need of shelter. Those seek...

“We would have been lucky if we spent that $3.3 million,” said Sahady.  Dion said that the two rounds of COVID funding is providing more than $1.4 million in a small business stabilization program to help retain and create jobs.  Another $2.14 million is providing funding for a homeless prevention program, renovations to the overflow shelter at Solomon’s Porch on Bay Street, money for shelter operations at First Step Inn and Our Sister’s Place and funding to provide emergency sh...