City of Fall River takes back former Davol School, Gates of Hope suspends operations

The former Davol School on Flint Street in Fall River has been turned back to the city.

Both the Flint Neighborhood Association and Gates of Hope, an organization that provides food, clothing, and spiritual guidance to the Fall River and Rhode Island area, made the announcement on Monday releasing separate statements.

GOH stated that as of Monday at 1:00 p.m. they have been forced to temporarily suspend operations “due to no choice of our own”.

“We still have lots of inventory in the school including personal items, equipment, and of course food and clothing to distribute to the community.

“We were not given a move out date, just that we need to move A.S.A.P

“We are all volunteers, and we have many prior commitments so we cannot just move everything out on a moment’s notice.

“We are actively looking for a new place to set up headquarters. Unfortunately, rents are through the roof, and we do not receive any large grants that could help to support us with this endeavor.

“We have reached out to all those in power and there has been no help available to us at this time.

“All that said… we will do the best we can within our ability to continue operating “as usual” with our mobile distributions. Our “By appointment only” pantry appointments are here by discontinued as we have to spend our time moving out of this location.

“We apologize for this sudden inconvenience that has been forced upon us.

“We will try to continue working operations in the near future.

“We will keep everyone updated when we know more.

“God Bless everyone reading this message.

“He is above it all!”

The statement from the head of the Flint Neighborhood Association, Carlos Cesar, is as follows:

“Unfortunately, our Neighborhood Association lost our Davol School today. This morning, we signed to return the school back to the city, with that went our hope and dream to make it a community center. Currently, and for years it has been a place for people who were in need to come and get food and all different types of clothing. We twice tried to get CPA funds and twice we got denied. We lost thousands of dollars trying to maintain the building, with architectural plans, removal of asbestos, and over $20,000 in rainwater fees. The mayor and Linda Pereria have a better plan for the building. According to our bill of sales agreement our only default was not completing our renovations within the 5-year agreement. Unlike many schools building that are purchased in our city that are not maintained and or abandoned. We maintained and used the building for good use for our city and the people that live here. The only reason we do not take this too court with a good case to fight is unfortunately is because of finances. During the last campaign the attorney Sam Sutter had agreed to represent us at no cost and unfortunately last month he changed his mind and required us to pay a fee to be represented which again unfortunately cannot be done due to finances. One by one the mayor has gained all of these buildings and turned them into luxury apartments that our neighborhood residents cannot afford. This is the mayor’s plan of “cleaning up the neighborhood” but this is looking more like political revenge. This is one more reason I hope the residents of Fall River remember when it comes to November of 2025, and I will be here to keep reminding you. Let’s brush the dust off get back up and move forward.”

Over a year ago, the City stated that it would be taking back the property due to the renovation agreement. Other properties in the city have had a similar fate for the same reason.

 The Flint Neighborhood Association purchased the building in January 2014 for just over $5,000 after the school closed in 2007 and had been renting out parking spaces for $40 a month.

Fall River Reporter has sent a request to the Mayor’s Office to learn the City’s next move for the property.