Frequently Asked Questions
What does homelessness look like?
The days are gone when the homeless were transient individuals with substance abuse problems. Individuals, Families with Children, Unaccompanied Youth, Elderly, Veterans, male or female, any race and age, may or may not be disabled.
Why do people become homeless?
- Poverty
- Lack of affordable housing
- Physical/mental illness or disability
- Substance abuse
- Job loss or decline in income
- Domestic violence and abuse
- Unemployment
- Prison release
- Downturn in the economy
- Changes and cuts in public assistance programs
- Family deterioration/abandonment
- Years of institutional living (mental health, drug treatment, prison, foster care, etc.)
What happens when one is homeless?
Besides not having a stable residence and a permanent address, the homeless live day-to-day; have issues keeping their possessions safe – including Identification, birth certificates, and other essential paperwork needed to apply for benefits/employment; health problems may become chronic.
Where do I go if I am homeless with children?
Department of Transitional Assistance (only way to access family shelter in Fall River) – must present at the office and wait for assistance.
Where do I go if I am a homeless adult individual/couple?
First Step Inn (only emergency shelter for individuals in Fall River) – can call or present at the shelter, as early in the day as possible.
Where do I go if I am on the verge of homelessness?
Catholic Social Services provides homeless prevention assistance, by appointment only.
Where do I go if I or my children think we may be victims of domestic violence?
For matters involving the possibility of domestic abuse, please call:
- Our Sisters’ Place hotline at 508-677-0224
- The Women’s Center hotline at 508-999-6636
or in case of immediate emergency, call 911.
What does a homeless person do during the day?
The family shelters allow 24-hour access; the individual shelter allows 24-hour access in the coldest winter months only. IF the person is not working or attending school, there is currently no designated center for the homeless to congregate. Soup Kitchens are open for 1-2½ hours, 7 days a week, at various locations.
Funding sources for the homeless population:
- Emergency Solutions Grant
- McKinney-Vento (Continuum of Care) Grant
- Veterans’ Affairs
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- Faith-Based Organizations
How can I help?
Financial donations are always accepted, as well as food and clothing donations. Some agencies and events also accept volunteers (there may be a screening process for volunteers).