Nearly $500,000 awarded in grant to house Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, Attleboro area homeless in motels; here is the breakdown

Steppingstone, Incorporated has announced that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, Division of Housing and Stabilization, has awarded a one-time grant of $426,443.53 to expand shelter capacity for unhoused individuals this winter. This funding will provide critical services and secure accommodations at the Dartmouth Motor Inn and the Capri Motel, offering essential support during the harsh winter months.

To address the overflow of unhoused individuals in Fall River, the grant designates $144,230 to secure 10 rooms at the Capri Motel in Dartmouth, accommodating up to 20 people daily for 17 weeks. Each room will be double-occupied by compatible individuals and include supportive services and daily meals. Additionally, $282,214 will fund 18 rooms at the Dartmouth Motor Inn, offering shelter to up to 36 individuals daily from the Bristol County Continuum of Care, which includes New Bedford, Taunton, and Attleboro. Residents will receive outreach services, supportive care, and daily meals.

The growing challenge of homelessness, exacerbated by the cold weather and increasing rents, has created a critical need for additional resources. Despite existing shelter and overflow systems in Fall River and surrounding cities, this funding enables Steppingstone to assist the City of Fall River and the Bristol County Continuum of Care in providing safe shelter and meals to up to 56 individuals each winter day.

Kathleen Schedler Clark, Executive Director of Steppingstone, shared her thoughts on this vital initiative: “We are honored to step forward and provide shelter and support to those experiencing homelessness, whether due to rising rents or other challenges. This funding allows us to offer a warm and safe place for individuals who have nowhere else to go this winter.”