New Bedford’s Project FAIHR an Ally in Homelessness Fight

There is a new addition to the roll-call of agencies working to end homelessness in New Bedford.

Project FAIHR – Focused Achievements in Housing and Recovery – was created by Steppingstone Inc., helping those in need in New Bedford and Fall River.

Danielle Brown is the Director of the New Bedford program. She joined Townsquare Sunday to explain the program's mission.

"Steppingstone has been embedded in New Bedford since 1998, providing residential services for people struggling with substance abuse," Brown said. "But for the last 10 years, they have added behavioral health programs and services for the homeless."

"Basically, we meet people where they are at, and try to get them to come in for services," Brown said. "Project FAIHR case managers and professionals will meet with individuals and if they want shelter, we help provide that. If they need help with their mental health, we provide that."

FAIHR also manages 19 beds at the Dartmouth Motor Inn in the event shelters become full in New Bedford.

Brown said the agency takes part in the annual "Point-in Time" count of the homeless.  The 2025 count took place in late January, and numbers are still being compiled, but she expects to see an increased number of homeless people in New Bedford. She said her agency has assisted more than 300 people since October.

Also, Project FAIHR started a new program in December, joining with Mercy Meals and More and the Pilgrim United Church of Christ to offer Sunday evening meals and activities at 634 Purchase Street. It's called the Safe Grounds Cafe and all are welcome.

"We continually heard from homeless individuals, there was nothing for them on Sunday," Brown said. "That's how the Safe Grounds Cafe came about."

The cafe offers a meal, fellowship and arts and craft activities on Sunday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Brown said for the first three weeks of the Safe Grounds Cafe, they've seen an average of 35 people walking through the door, and she expects more as word gets around.

"This is about community," she said. "If I can get any message out today, it's the need for our community to end the stigma surrounding the homeless and people in recovery, and help address the needs right here."

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