Fall River homeless man who died last Tuesday was not refused services

Last Tuesday, a homeless man was found deceased across from 89 Globe Mills Avenue near Kuss Middle School in Fall River. Investigators do not suspect foul play. The man likely died from the extreme cold.

Some Fall River residents on social media have expressed their concern that he may have been turned away from service, but based on available information that is not the truth.

Steppingstone, the non-profit that operates Fall River’s primary homeless shelter called Steppingstone First Step Inn, released a statement stating that no one was refused service the week of the man’s death.

The First Step in has capacity for 50 beds. When they are at full capacity homeless individuals are sent to the overflow shelter with 30 beds called the Timao Center. Additionally, several churches have opened up as warming centers.

I visited Fall River Mayor Coogan’s office this morning to discuss the topic. Mayor Coogan also stated that the man was not refused service by the First Step Inn or any other agency that services the homeless. The mayor did report that he has tried to enter the First Step Inn three times the past year and was refused entry two of those times even though the City funds the shelter with $50,000 annually. The mayor has requested that Steppingstone open an area of the First Step Inn that he believes could house 75 more beds, but he stated that Steppingstone has refused.

I reached out to Steppingstone staff, but could not get in touch with administration at the time this article was published.